Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol use. Hair retains a detailed history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG additions and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It’s suggested to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair refers to any other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Overview
The four primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening will need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All tentatively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Fort Smith, MT, offers distinct advantages over urine tests. Notably, its superior detection accuracy and ability to identify substances up to 90 days back make it a preferred option. Compared to urine tests, hair testing is less prone to tampering and provides more comprehensive results, ensuring reliability and thoroughness.
With a window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Fort Smith, MT, provides a comprehensive picture of an individual's drug use history. Extended detection helps employers thoroughly assess potential and current employees, offering insights that can't be matched by short-term screening alternatives, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
In Fort Smith, MT, hair follicle tests are a tamper-resistant method of drug detection. Unlike other tests, hair samples are challenging to adulterate, ensuring the integrity of results. This reliability makes hair testing a favored choice for accurate results, giving certainty and peace of mind to employers and legal professionals.
With nationwide testing centers, including locations in Fort Smith, MT, getting a hair follicle drug test is convenient and straightforward. Our expansive network guarantees quick, easy access without hassle, ensuring that testing is accessible wherever needed. It's simplicity and convenience in drug testing services.
The hair follicle testing process in Fort Smith, MT, is easy and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to protect privacy while providing straightforward procedures. This ensures that individuals can feel secure and at ease when undergoing testing, knowing their information remains private.
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times in Fort Smith, MT, hair follicle testing provides excellent value. Businesses of all sizes benefit from affordable options, ensuring quick and reliable results without compromising on cost. It's an investment in health and safety that won't break the bank.
In Fort Smith, MT, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision. Fast and accurate, these tests provide reliable results in detecting drug use, ensuring high accuracy compared to traditional methods. The efficiency of hair testing guarantees rapid turnaround times, making it an ideal choice for those seeking dependable substance detection.
Employers in Fort Smith, MT, benefit from hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Using hair testing reduces the risk of legal issues and enhances safety, offering peace of mind knowing they maintain a secure and compliant work environment for all employees.
