Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. They offer an extended history of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window spanning up to roughly three months for alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This step involves confirming that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach for excluding drug use in the majority of samples, any positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are initially positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
The confirmation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed in line with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the testing process actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Eastside, OR
In Eastside, OR, hair testing offers a significant advantage over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's history, making it a preferred choice for employers seeking thorough assessments, unlike urine testing which covers a shorter detection window.
Extended Detection Window in Eastside, OR
Hair follicle testing in Eastside, OR, excels with its capability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior. This extended detection window offers employers valuable insights into the substance history of employees or candidates, enabling comprehensive assessments and informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Eastside, OR
The risk of sample tampering in Eastside, OR, is significantly reduced with hair follicle testing. This method provides reliable, tamper-resistant results, reinforcing its credibility as a trusted screening tool that ensures accuracy and trustworthiness in test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Eastside, OR
Accredited Drug Testing boasts nationwide and local centers in Eastside, OR, offering an unparalleled level of convenience. With our widespread testing centers, accessing testing services is hassle-free, ensuring quick and easy solutions for every drug testing need.
Simple, Confidential Process in Eastside, OR
In Eastside, OR, our testing process is both simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while streamlining the experience. From ordering to receiving results, Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes ease of use and security, ensuring a smooth and trusted process for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Eastside, OR
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures in Eastside, OR, complemented by fast turnaround times. Companies of all sizes benefit from our value-laden services, gaining peace of mind with cost-effectiveness and efficiency in drug testing results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Eastside, OR
The precision and promptness of hair follicle drug testing in Eastside, OR, set it apart. With heightened accuracy, these tests swiftly detect substance use, providing results that are both dependable and efficient. By utilizing advanced methodologies, Accredited Drug Testing ensures timely insights for critical decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Eastside, OR
For employers in Eastside, OR, hair follicle testing provides assurance in maintaining a drug-free workplace, aiding compliance with policies and reducing legal risks. By enhancing workplace safety, it bestows peace of mind, reducing liability while fostering a secure environment.
