What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a long-duration record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to measure the sample on a jeweler's balance. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair mean scalp hair exclusively, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The primary phases in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laborory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a rapid initial test for substances of misuse. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug usage for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples testing positive during Screening require a secondary verification.

If a sample shows a potential positive in Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is among the most intricate procedures to execute.

Confirmation of any screening positive result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. The overall lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection period: Hair drug assessments can identify substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a more limited detection span.
Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are very challenging to manipulate, leading to more reliable results.
Shows historical patterns: It can display a record of substance usage over time, rather than only recent consumption.

Limitations:

Incapable of detecting recent usage: Approximately 5-7 days are required for drugs to manifest in hair.
Expense: Hair drug examinations typically cost more than other testing techniques.
Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the level of drug residues in the hair.

Note: Despite being frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the examination scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Antelope, OR, surpasses traditional urine methodologies with its superior detection range and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which may only capture recent substance use, hair tests provide a far extended period of detection for a more complete substance use history. This longevity strengthens their status as a more reliable and informative screening tool.

While urine tests have been commonplace, hair tests offer extensive insights, effectively revealing substance activities far beyond the typical detection windows of urine tests. Their unrivaled accuracy in reflecting true usage patterns makes them the preferred option in more stringent and comprehensive settings.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of up to 90 days for hair follicle tests in Antelope, OR, offers employers and individuals a deeper understanding of an employee's or candidate's substance history. This long-term view ensures a more comprehensive evaluation, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment.

By providing a detection span reaching three months, hair testing reveals consistent consumption patterns that shorter-tracked tests might miss, offering a broader, more accurate reflection on substance usage over time in Antelope, OR.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Antelope, OR, hair follicle testing stands out for its tamper-resistant nature. The method's design greatly reduces sample adulteration risks, resulting in highly reliable and unquestionable outcomes. This integrity makes it an ideal choice for those demanding authentic test results.

Employers and organizations in need of secure testing methods can trust hair testing's robust framework, which inherently minimizes manipulation. This ensures legitimate results, fostering a higher level of assurance and trust in the validity of the outcomes in Antelope, OR.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Finding a convenient testing location in Antelope, OR, is simple, thanks to our extensive network of nationwide centers. Accessible and efficient, these centers ensure that individuals and employers can undergo necessary tests effortlessly and without hassle.

Our strategically placed locations, including those within Antelope, OR, provide a seamless experience, making testing services readily available and easy to utilize for individuals and companies alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Accredited Drug Testing ensures a straightforward and confidential process for individuals in Antelope, OR. From ordering to taking the test and obtaining results, the entire process is designed to prioritize user privacy and ease of use.

Each step is conducted discreetly, assuring participants of the confidentiality of their data and results. This simplicity and attention to privacy make the testing process approachable for individuals and organizations alike in Antelope, OR.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our drug testing services in Antelope, OR, offer excellent value for money. Designed to accommodate companies of all sizes, our pricing structures are tailored to provide maximum peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Organizations in Antelope, OR, can depend on our cost-effective and timely service delivery, ensuring their operational efficiency while adhering to budgetary constraints. This balance of affordability and efficiency reinforces our standing as a preferred choice.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Antelope, OR, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. Their high accuracy is essential in detecting substance use efficiently, providing dependable results that both individuals and employers can trust. From testing initiation to result delivery, each step is streamlined to ensure that accuracy and quick turnaround are at the forefront.

Employers in Antelope, OR, benefit from hair testing due to its swift processing time and reliability. These tests do not just promise accurate outcomes but also deliver them promptly, aiding in decisions that demand accuracy without delay. The streamlined process guarantees fast, precise results every time.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Antelope, OR, using hair follicle tests is a strategic approach to ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies and reducing legal risks. By choosing this method, organizations strengthen their safety measures, providing both employers and employees peace of mind.

Effective compliance means fewer penalties and a safer workplace environment, enabled by the robust nature of hair follicle testing. Employers in Antelope, OR, can rely on this method to bolster their commitment to maintaining integrity and regulatory adherence.