Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record for alcohol and various substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We recommend weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" indicates all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid check for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use on the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging approach to execute.
Any confirmed positive results from screening are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Northwest Josephine, OR, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. The extended detection window up to 90 days far surpasses the limited timeframe of urine tests. This enhanced timeframe provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use. Additionally, hair testing's superior accuracy and reliability make it the preferred method for employers aiming for a more thorough analysis of drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Northwest Josephine, OR, stands out for its extended detection window, stretching up to 90 days. This aspect provides employers with a detailed view of an applicant's or employee's substance use history, unlike shorter periods available with other methods. The ability to track usage over a prolonged time ensures a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s drug use patterns.
With its tamper-resistant nature, hair follicle testing in Northwest Josephine, OR significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. Its collection and testing process make it difficult for individuals to manipulate, ensuring that outcomes are both trustworthy and irrefutable. This reliability places hair follicle testing ahead of other methods regarding integrity and credibility of the results.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including in Northwest Josephine, OR, getting tested is quick, easy, and hassle-free. These accessible locations ensure that individuals and employers can reach our services without difficulty, providing a streamlined process for necessary drug testing. This widespread network demonstrates our commitment to client convenience and efficient service delivery.
In Northwest Josephine, OR, a simple and confidential process is in place for hair drug testing. From ordering to obtaining results, the process is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns effectively. This approach ensures ease of use and discretion, vital for individuals mindful of their confidentiality and looking for a non-intrusive testing experience.
Featuring competitive pricing and fast turnaround, hair drug testing in Northwest Josephine, OR offers excellent value for companies of all sizes. This affordability, combined with prompt result delivery, means businesses can access high-quality testing without financial strain, making informed decisions timely and without breaking the budget.
Fast, accurate, and reliable results are key in Northwest Josephine, OR. Hair follicle drug tests excel in delivering timely outcomes, with high precision in detecting substance use. The swift turnaround coupled with accuracy ensures that individuals and employers can obtain results rapidly, facilitating informed decision-making in critical situations. This makes hair testing a preferred choice where punctuality and precision are paramount.
Employers in Northwest Josephine, OR gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Ensuring workplace safety and adherence to drug-free policies, this method reduces legal liabilities and potential risks. By integrating hair testing, companies can maintain a secure environment, prioritizing employee safety and reinforcing their commitment to regulatory standards.
