Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate substance use over a period of up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and conveniently shippable.
An optimal sample consists of a 1.5-inch length of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) obtained closest to the scalp, weighing around 100mg for screening and confirmation. For EtG extensions, and/or over 10-panel tests, a 150mg specimen is advised. Utilization of a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Scalp hair specifically refers to hair on the head, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This phase includes checking seal integrity and proper shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any extra data absent from an electronic custody chain.
Screening consists of an initial, rapid assessment for drugs of concern. Although cost-efficient for dismissing drug presence in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples yielding presumptive positive results during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate more hair extraction from the primary specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, substances are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most rigorous approach available.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies are used for confirming any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing test methods in Otis, OR, hair follicle testing stands out over urine tests, boasting superior detection accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests are prevalent, hair testing proves more effective for discerning long-term drug use patterns, offering a clearer substance history.
The intricate analysis used in hair testing ensures nearly tamper-proof results, providing employers confidence in maintaining a safe and drug-free workplace environment. This trust in accuracy and reliability reinforces its importance.
Employers in Otis, OR, benefit significantly from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. Capable of revealing substance use up to 90 days prior, this method provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history.
This lengthy detection period aids employers and authorities in making informed decisions when assessing the suitability of an employee or applicant, enhancing workplace safety and compliance with organizational standards.
Tamper-resistant and dependable, hair follicle testing in Otis, OR offers superior security measures against sample alterations. The method reduces the risk of adulteration significantly, providing unquestionable test results.
Collected in a strictly observed process, these tests ensure reliability, instilling confidence in the outcomes and enabling informed decision-making for employers and legal authorities.
With a network of nationwide testing locations and a presence in Otis, OR, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessibility and convenience for all clients. Our extensive reach offers ease in scheduling and conducting tests without hassle.
This widespread availability guarantees rapid and simple testing processes, both locally and elsewhere, offering clients the utmost convenience in handling their needs efficiently.
Our simple and confidential process in Otis, OR, enables seamless test coordination from start to finish. The ease of ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is tailored to address privacy concerns efficiently.
Emphasizing discretion, clients can rest assured in the knowledge that their personal information remains secure, rendering a smooth and stress-free testing experience.
In Otis, OR, our affordable pricing structures emphasize value. Complimented by fast turnaround times, we offer businesses competitive options for hair follicle testing.
This combination ensures companies receive timely, cost-effective services, thereby fostering peace of mind and enhancing budget management, while retaining employee safety and compliance.
In Otis, OR, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and pinpoint accuracy, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable results. This precise detection method is invaluable in accurately identifying substance use.
Through advanced technology, hair follicle tests provide quick results, minimizing the wait time for both employers and individuals. The accuracy level is unmatched, delivering dependable information essential for informed decision-making.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Otis, OR, employers gain peace of mind through assured compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces potential legal challenges and enhances the overall safety of the work environment.
Employers adopting this method signal a commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant workplace, which is pivotal for business integrity and employee morale.