Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended overview of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When collected from near the scalp, this method provides up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil diameter) from close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair; body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the laboratory system, ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial quick evaluation for drugs of abuse. While it's an affordable method to rule out drug use in most samples, positive screens require confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening must have a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive results in screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as needed before confirmation. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Windham, MT
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine testing, the former stands out due to superior detection accuracy and reliability. In Windham, MT, hair testing offers a more dependable choice, reducing the likelihood of tampering and providing extensive substance-use insights.
Extended Detection Window in Windham, MT
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive look at drug use history, capturing substance use over a span of up to 90 days. This extensive detection window offers employers in Windham, MT a valuable tool for assessing potential and current employees' substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Windham, MT
The integrity of hair follicle tests in preventing sample tampering is unmatched. In Windham, MT, this testing approach minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring that results are trustworthy and difficult to contest, setting a high standard for test reliability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Windham, MT
With nationwide centers, including locations in Windham, MT, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward and convenient. This widespread availability ensures hassle-free testing, offering individuals and businesses timely and efficient service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Windham, MT
Ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair follicle test results is a straightforward, confidential process. This simplicity reassures individuals in Windham, MT, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use, from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Windham, MT
Offering competitive pricing and quick result turnaround, hair follicle testing in Windham, MT provides excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from these advantages, ensuring financial efficiency and swift results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Windham, MT
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and swift results. This testing method efficiently identifies substances, ensuring that results are both quick and highly reliable. In Windham, MT, individuals can expect unparalleled accuracy when determining substance use, providing peace of mind.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Windham, MT
Adopting hair follicle testing supports compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies. This method decreases legal liabilities and boosts workplace safety, offering employers in Windham, MT peace of mind and contributing to a secure work environment.
