Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair during its growth. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal evidence of alcohol and drugs for up to about three months. The collection process is straightforward, alteration is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and weighing around 100mg (equivalent to roughly 200 strands of hair or the diameter of a #2 pencil) is considered optimal for testing and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and panels exceeding 10 drugs, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's advisable to measure the sample’s weight using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is a suitable alternative. "Head hair" pertains strictly to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" refers to all other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test in the lab encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes bringing the sample into the lab’s workflow. This process verifies the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data input not captured by an electronic tracking system.
Screening offers an initial inexpensive assessment for drug presence. Though efficient for ruling out drug presence in most samples, a confirmed test is essential for valid court admissibility. Samples with a preliminary positive outcome in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show a tentative positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for detailed Extraction. In this phase, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is minimal compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing particularly complex.
Verifying any positive Screening results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Necessary washing of presumptive positive samples precedes Confirmation. The complete workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," these evaluations focus on analyzing the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the skin.
Hair Testing Advantages in Deschutes River Woods, OR
Hair follicle tests surpass urine tests mainly because they offer superior accuracy and reliability. Detailing a longer detection period, hair tests capture a user's substance history comprehensively. Traditional methods like urine tests fall short in recognizing long-term patterns, making hair testing the preferred choice for many in Deschutes River Woods.
Extended Detection in Deschutes River Woods, OR
One of the overarching benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, capable of tracing drug use for up to 90 days. This extensive period grants employers in Deschutes River Woods a thorough insight into an applicant or employee's substance use history, proving invaluable in making well-informed decisions.
Reducing Adulteration Risks in Deschutes River Woods, OR
Hair follicle testing presents a method that significantly diminishes the prospect of sample tampering. Its procedure complexes the act of adulterating results, ensuring that each test offers trustworthy information. This reliability garners trust and certainty in testing results for those in Deschutes River Woods.
Nationwide Testing Convenience in Deschutes River Woods, OR
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenience and ease of access for those needing testing services in Deschutes River Woods. The accessibility of our locations offers hassle-free drug and alcohol testing, making it an effortless experience for clients Nationwide.
Confidential Testing Process in Deschutes River Woods, OR
With a focus on simplicity and privacy, our testing process in Deschutes River Woods remains confidential. Clients can easily order tests, take them, and receive their results without compromising their privacy, ensuring a secure and straightforward drug testing journey.
Privacy is prioritized every step of the way.
Value and Efficiency in Deschutes River Woods, OR
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, our services deliver exceptional value in Deschutes River Woods. These factors make drug testing approachable for organizations of any size, with fast results enhancing overall efficiency and reducing wait times significantly.
Precision and Speed in Deschutes River Woods, OR
Renowned for quick and accurate results, hair follicle drug tests in Deschutes River Woods promise high precision. This testing method stands out for its ability to detect substance use efficiently and reliably, providing dependable results to those who need them.
Expectedly, hair tests excel in accuracy, reaching levels unmatched by traditional methods.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Deschutes River Woods, OR
Utilizing hair follicle tests aids employers in Deschutes River Woods in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. It diminishes legal risks and elevates workplace safety, providing peace of mind through compliance and fostering a safer working environment.
