Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives long-term use of alcohol and narcotics by sequestering biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair shaft. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. It's easy to gather, tough to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (approximately #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is ideal. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. In reference to head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry missing from an electronic custody chain.
Screening entails an initial expedited examination for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient technique to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs validation for legal proceedings. Presumptive positives from Screening require another round of confirmation.
If in the Screening phase a sample indicates presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology is used to confirm any positive screens. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
The benefits of hair drug testing include:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation monitors the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Bigfork, MT, hair follicle testing vastly surpasses urine testing. The primary advantage lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers and professionals favor hair tests due to their extended detection windows, making them perfect for zero-tolerance policies. Unlike urine tests, hair tests uncover longer-term substance use, offering dependable outcomes.
With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Bigfork, MT empowers employers to gain a holistic view of an individual's substance history. This extensive timeframe uncovers long-standing habits, aiding in well-rounded evaluations. By analyzing past drug use, hair testing provides an unmatched understanding of consistent use patterns.
Hair follicle tests in Bigfork, MT significantly lower the risk of sample tampering, offering reliable and indisputable outcomes. Tampering possibilities pose challenges, but hair tests minimize these risks, ensuring unfailing results. This testing method stands out as nearly impossible to manipulate, providing confidence in the integrity of drug test reporting.
Offering convenience in Bigfork, MT, our extensive network of testing centers allows easy access to hair follicle tests. With locations nationwide, we ensure a seamless process, prioritizing quick, hassle-free testing experiences. Our facility proximity means efficient access, simplifying the testing journey for your needs.
In Bigfork, MT, the process for hair follicle drug testing remains simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined, respecting privacy at every step. Clients appreciate the user-friendly nature of this service, which addresses concerns about ease of use and confidentiality efficiently.
In Bigfork, MT, our hair follicle drug testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, ensuring exceptional value. We cater to companies of all sizes, promising cost-effective solutions paired with rapid results. Our services provide companies with peace of mind, delivering affordability and efficiency.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing set it apart in Bigfork, MT. The tests boast high accuracy in spotting substance use, making them a trustworthy choice. Hair tests can swiftly detect drugs, providing quick results that add reliability to the process. When accuracy is paramount, these tests deliver precise outcomes that support decision-making.
Employers in Bigfork, MT find peace of mind through hair follicle testing, assuring compliance with drug-free policies. By choosing this method, businesses decrease their legal risks and bolster safe practices. This testing promotes a secure workplace by aligning with zero-tolerance drug standards, offering a dependable avenue to reducing liabilities.