What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands record extended histories of substance use by embedding biomarkers in their structure. When taken near the scalp, they offer a possible detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional assessments, and/or more than 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be sourced. When mentioning head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory drug testing process comprises four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs. While cost-efficient for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be court-valid. Samples yielding positive presumptive results in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.

When a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at notably lower concentrations than those in other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug analysis the most intricate methodology to conduct.

Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair title and follows the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection window: Hair drug testing can identify drug use over 90 days, unlike urine testing, which has a more limited detection period.
Hard to deceive: Cheating on a hair drug test is challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
Offers historical data: It can reveal a pattern of drug consumption over time, not merely recent activity.

Limitations:

Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-consumption.
Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be pricier compared to other drug testing approaches.
Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual differences in hair growth affect drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Crow Agency, MT, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Why is it better?

Longer detection window of up to 90 days.
Less susceptible to tampering.
Reliable accuracy ensuring dependable results.

These factors make hair testing a superior choice for employers and other entities looking for trustworthy drug screening.

Extended Detection Window

The hair follicle testing method in Crow Agency, MT, offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days of substance history. Benefits include:

Comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use.
Ideal for reflecting consistent long-term habits.
Essential for employers to evaluate potential hires accurately.

This extended window provides insights far beyond what urine tests can supply.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Crow Agency, MT, hair follicle tests are notably resistant to tampering. Here's why:

Difficult to alter or adulterate samples.
Observed collection prevents fraudulent actions.
Reliable results maintain the integrity of the testing process.

This robustness ensures that the findings are trustworthy and credible, eliminating most risks associated with sample manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In Crow Agency, MT, the convenience of numerous testing centers enhances accessibility. Advantages include:

Nationwide locations ensure easy access to services.
Local availability negates travel inconveniences.
Streamlined processes make testing effortless for participants.

These aspects simplify the testing experience, providing ease and convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Crow Agency, MT, our drug testing process remains simple and confidential. Here's how:

Easy ordering and scheduling for tests.
Discreet collection procedures safeguarding privacy.
Prompt and confidential results delivery.

This process ensures participants can undergo testing without compromising their privacy, offering them peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and quick turnaround characterize our service in Crow Agency, MT. Key features:

Competitive pricing makes testing accessible for all.
Fast results turnaround ensures timely information.
Excellent service value for businesses of varying sizes.

These benefits highlight the economic advantages of choosing our services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test method in Crow Agency, MT, stands out for its accuracy and speed. Its precision in determining substance usage is unparalleled.