Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can disclose drug and alcohol use for up to a roughly 3-month timeframe. The collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If head hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of a drug test outcome includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the first phase of inserting a sample into a lab's system. This involves checking the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid examination for drugs. Though Screening is a budget-friendly option to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result in this stage requires confirmation to serve as legitimate evidence in legal contexts. All samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, the drugs are drawn out from the hair in notably lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: When termed "hair follicle tests," it actually refers to analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing has distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Hysham, MT. While urine tests only catch recent drug use, hair follicle tests can detect drug consumption up to 90 days. This longer detection window provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use, making it a superior choice for many employers and institutions seeking reliable results.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests is a significant advantage in Hysham, MT. Unlike other methods, hair tests can reveal drug usage over a span of 90 days, offering a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. This capability allows employers to make informed decisions regarding potential or current employees.
Reducing the risk of tampering is a major benefit of hair follicle testing in Hysham, MT. The test's design significantly diminishes possibilities of sample adulteration, providing reliable results that are above question. This feature assures employers and institutions that the findings accurately represent an individual's drug usage.
Testing is convenient with our nationwide and local centers in Hysham, MT. Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to necessary testing services, eliminating stress for individuals and businesses alike. With wide availability, testing can be conducted quickly and efficiently.
The process is simple and confidential for hair follicle testing in Hysham, MT. Individuals can order, test, and receive results with ease, all while maintaining privacy. This approach addresses concerns regarding confidentiality and provides a streamlined experience for all involved.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround make hair follicle testing a smart choice in Hysham, MT. With competitive pricing structures, businesses of all sizes can benefit without financial strain, and the quick turnaround ensures decisions can be made in a timely manner, adding excellent value.
Precision and speed are key benefits of hair follicle drug tests in Hysham, MT. These tests stand out with their ability to accurately detect substances over time, providing more reliable data for those looking to ensure a drug-free environment. The rapid processing time combined with high accuracy ensures that decision-makers have the information they need swiftly.
Employers in Hysham, MT can achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method aids in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safe work environment. Hair testing not only supports compliance but also enhances the overall quality and safety of the workplace.
