Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluations have emerged as a robust instrument for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer a prolonged narrative of alcohol and drug presence by encasing biomarkers within the developing hair strand. When clipped near the scalp, hair may present a detection period for alcohol and drugs that spans roughly 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (analogous in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and analyses beyond 10 panels, it is suggested to gather 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is advised. If scalp hair isn't an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This process includes validating that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial cursory assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be legally admissible. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate a confirmatory procedure.
Should a sample be tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology to execute.
The confirmation for any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any tentatively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually evaluates the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marsh, MT. Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests are limited to detecting recent drug use, hair tests provide an extensive detection window, capturing up to 90 days of substance use history. This reliability makes hair testing an advantageous choice for employers and other entities seeking consistent and thorough results.
Extended Detection Window in Marsh, MT. One of the major advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, allowing for the analysis of drug use over 90 days. This long-term view provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use, ensuring informed hiring and employment decisions. It's an invaluable tool for those requiring extensive screening.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marsh, MT. Hair follicle tests stand out due to their resistance to tampering or adulteration. This robustness ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, reducing the risk of inaccurate outcomes. With hair testing, the integrity of the sample is maintained, offering peace of mind for organizations demanding verifiable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marsh, MT. Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures convenient access for all clients, including those in Marsh, MT. This reach facilitates hassle-free testing processes, providing quick and easy availability of testing services. Clients can count on our locations for reliable and swift access whenever necessary.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marsh, MT. Our process for arranging and receiving hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From the initial order to obtaining results, we emphasize privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality. Clients can engage with our services, assured of their simplicity and discretion at every step.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marsh, MT. Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times deliver excellent value across all company sizes. By offering affordable testing services combined with rapid result delivery, we provide cost-effective solutions that maintain quality and efficiency, ensuring clients receive outstanding service without straining budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marsh, MT. Hair follicle tests provide rapid outcomes with reliable accuracy. Their high precision ensures thorough detection of substance use, making them an efficient choice for both urgent and routine testing requirements. Clients benefit from the unmatched accuracy and speed of this testing method, reinforcing their effectiveness in diverse scenarios.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marsh, MT. Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with workplace drug policies, minimizing legal risks. It promotes a safe workplace environment, providing peace of mind. Employers can trust in the accuracy and thoroughness of hair testing to help maintain a drug-free workplace, ensuring well-being for all employees.
