Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol use. By embedding biomarkers within the strands, hair serves as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake. When sampled near the scalp, it can detect drug and alcohol usage for up to three months. Hair is easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is ideal. It’s advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" usually refers to scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" encompasses other hair types, including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
There are four key steps in the laboratory drug test processing: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample’s initial entry into the lab’s system, which includes ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective strategy for many samples, positive results require confirmation to be valid in legal scenarios. Samples showing presumptive positivity from Screening need additional confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This stage involves removing drugs from hair at a substantially lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is a challenging methodology.
The Confirmation of a positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are thoroughly washed before proceeding to confirmation. The overall lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Grand Ronde, OR, several benefits stand out. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, proving more effective at identifying consistent substance abuse.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Grand Ronde, OR, is its extended detection window, lasting up to 90 days. Employers gain thorough insights into an employee's historical drug use. This broader overview aids in making informed hiring decisions, ensuring staff adhere to drug-free workplace policies. Such an extensive range is unattainable with standard urine tests, which only capture recent consumption.
Hair follicle testing in Grand Ronde, OR, offers a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing. Unlike urine tests, where samples can be easily altered, hair tests are nearly immune to manipulation.
Conveniently located testing centers in Grand Ronde, OR, and nationwide provide easy access to hair follicle drug testing services. With numerous facilities available, scheduling and attending tests are hassle-free. Quick, straightforward access ensures minimal disruption to daily operations, making the process seamless for employers and individuals alike. The expansive network confirms timely service and reliable results.
The hair follicle testing process in Grand Ronde, OR, is both simple and confidential. Ordering tests, providing samples, and accessing results are designed to be user-friendly, maintaining privacy and efficiency. This straightforward procedure ensures discretion for employees and confidence for employers, addressing any privacy concerns successfully. The ease of use reinforces testing's necessity.
In Grand Ronde, OR, affordable pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle drug testing accessible for all business sizes. Our competitive rates ensure excellent value, while the speedy processing of results offers peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug testing in Grand Ronde, OR, ensures speed and accuracy in identifying substance use. The method's precision means fewer false positives, giving employers dependable results quickly. Whether for workplace testing or personal insight, the hair test's rapid results make it a preferred choice over slower, less reliable methods. Employers can trust these tests to maintain a drug-free environment.
Employers in Grand Ronde, OR, benefit from the compliance assurance that hair follicle testing provides. Adhering to drug-free policies eliminates legal concerns and enhances workplace safety. With hair testing, businesses can trust their screening processes, knowing they comply with regulations while fostering a secure work environment. Zero-tolerance policies gain strength through this reliable testing method.
