Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair testing has gained recognition as a significant approach for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair provides a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample amount for analysis. For EtG, extensions, and/or tests exceeding ten panels, it’s suggested to use 150mg of the hair sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. Head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types, such as facial or axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial processing of the sample takes place within the lab's system. Tasks include verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid evaluation for possible drug use. Although screening is a budget-friendly method to rule out drug presence in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at substantially lower concentrations than in alternative methods like urine or oral fluid tests, rendering hair drug testing the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Somers, MT
Hair follicle tests outshine urine tests due to their extended detection window and superior accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which only show recent use, hair tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days before testing. This long-term overview provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding in more informed decisions.
The resilience of hair testing against tampering makes it a reliable option. The thorough collection process prevents most opportunities for deception, ensuring results are reflective of true substance usage patterns. In comparing both methods, hair testing emerges as the more robust choice.
Extended Detection Window in Somers, MT
Hair follicle testing offers an unmatched detection period, capable of revealing substance use over the past 90 days. This extended window allows employers in Somers, MT to gain a comprehensive view of potential candidates or employees' drug histories, offering essential insight for making informed hiring or monitoring decisions.
By expanding the scope of detection beyond immediate use, hair testing gives organizations a clearer picture of an individual's long-term behavior. It adds an extra layer of security and confidence in assessing substance use in the workplace, promoting safer and more transparent environments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Somers, MT
The hair follicle testing approach significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. This method of testing makes it extremely difficult for individuals to alter or compromise results, as the collection and analysis processes are highly secure and straightforward.
In Somers, MT, this tamper-resistant feature ensures the integrity of test outcomes, offering dependable evidence of substance use. This reliability is crucial for employers and administrators seeking to enforce zero-tolerance policies and maintain a drug-free environment confidently.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Somers, MT
With facilities across all major cities, including Somers, MT, our testing centers offer unparalleled convenience. Accessible locations enable quick and seamless scheduling, ensuring that individuals and organizations experience minimal disruption when conducting necessary testing.
Our nationwide coverage guarantees that no matter where you are, a testing center is within easy reach. This widespread availability supports efficient and timely screenings, upholding the commitment to hassle-free service provision.
Simple, Confidential Process in Somers, MT
The process for ordering and receiving results of a hair follicle test is designed to be both simple and confidential. Ensuring privacy and ease, clients in Somers, MT can easily navigate the steps from test initiation to result retrieval.
This user-friendly process supports confidentiality, alleviating concerns about privacy and encouraging more individuals and businesses to utilize testing services. Securing accurate information while respecting personal boundaries fosters trust and reliability in testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Somers, MT
We offer competitive pricing structures that fit the budgetary needs of all sizes of companies, alongside rapid turnaround times. This combination ensures that testing services remain accessible and effective, providing excellent value and reassurance to businesses throughout Somers, MT.
The swift processing times associated with hair follicle tests mean swift action can be taken following a result, preserving the efficiency and safety of your operations without incurring prohibitive costs. This affordability enhances overall service satisfaction and financial peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Somers, MT
Hair follicle drug tests provide exceptionally fast and precise detection of substance use. The accuracy of these tests ensures that every assessment is reliable and valid. In Somers, MT, utilizing this method means receiving swift outcomes while maintaining high standards of result integrity and dependability.
With these tests, organizations and individuals gain the advantage of accessing reliable and quick feedback on drug use patterns. This rapid turnaround is crucial for timely interventions and decision-making, maintaining a seamless flow of operations and processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Somers, MT
Adopting hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, ensuring full compliance and reducing legal liabilities. This approach offers peace of mind to employers by assuring a safer work environment and safeguarding against potential substance abuse issues.
Incorporating these tests into your organizational framework not only enhances safety but also reinforces a commitment to uphold regulations. Employers benefit from improved accountability and reliability, fostering a culture of responsibility and trust.