Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strands provide an extended history by containing markers within the fibers as the hair grows. Scalp-near samples supply up to a 3-month detection interval for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is uncomplicated, tampering is challenging, and shipping is straightforward.
A typical specimen involves a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly resembling a #2 pencil's size) taken near the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis. When testing for EtG, additional substances, or more than 10 panels, 150mg is ideal. It is advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. In contrast, body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in the lab processing of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the sample's entry process into a lab's system. This step confirms correct sealing and shipment, allocates a non-specific LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any additional data entry required if not using an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening provides an initial evaluation for drug misuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to identify non-use in most samples, positive results in Screening require confirmation for validity in legal contexts. Any presumptively positive outcomes from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), showcasing the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result employs methodologies like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to guidelines from CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Westby, MT, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests. Longer detection times are a key benefit, detecting drug use for up to 90 days, thus providing a more comprehensive history. This method boasts higher accuracy and reliability, addressing the limitations of urine tests that offer a shorter detection span, often missing occasional drug use.
The hair follicle test in Westby, MT, extends the substance detection window significantly, providing insight into substance use history over a much longer period—up to 90 days. This extensive window allows employers to accurately assess both applicants and employees' past substance use, offering a comprehensive perspective on their history that shorter-term tests cannot.
A notable advantage of hair follicle testing in Westby, MT, is its tamper-resistant nature. This method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, guaranteeing dependable and valid results. With hair follicle tests, employers and authorities are assured of the authenticity of results, providing a higher standard against attempts at manipulation or alteration.
Westby, MT, benefits from our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, providing quick and convenient access. This ensures that those requiring hair follicle testing can easily find local facilities, making the process streamlined and accessible. Experience hassle-free testing services that cater to your needs with minimal disruption.
In Westby, MT, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, addressing any concerns about privacy and ease. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step ensures user comfort, allowing individuals to undergo testing with assurance of confidentiality and straightforward procedures, safeguarding discreet handling throughout.
Westby, MT, benefits from affordable pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our competitive pricing structures are designed to cater to organizations of all sizes, offering excellent value while maintaining quality. Experience the efficient processing of results that delivers peace of mind quickly and cost-effectively.
In Westby, MT, hair follicle testing provides fast, accurate results, ensuring a swift and precise assessment of substance use. Efficiency is key, as these tests offer expedited inspection processes that benefit both employers and individuals. By choosing hair follicle testing, you experience a reliable method that swiftly delivers high-accuracy results, enhancing workplace safety and individual compliance.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Westby, MT, offers employers compliance assurance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks. By providing a reliable measure against substance use, this testing method fosters enhanced workplace safety and peace of mind, ensuring that employers adhere to high standards and safeguard their professional environment.
