Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encases a longer-term record of drug and alcohol use through embedding biomarkers within its strands. When collected near the scalp, it can reveal substance use for up to 90 days. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the recommended quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, a full 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh specimens using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair may be collected. The term "head hair" specifically indicates scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory protocols for processing drug test results involve four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This includes ensuring that the sample was securely sealed and appropriately shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to identify potential drug use in most samples, a positive indicator requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases of a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for Extraction. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lesser concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is among the toughest methodologies to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screen is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The entire laboratory operation from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes assessment both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," these tests assess the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The advantages of hair follicle testing surpass traditional urine tests in Richland, OR. Offering unmatched accuracy and reliability, hair tests provide detailed insights into substance use, unlike short-term urine tests.
While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests monitor prolonged patterns, making them more advantageous for employers seeking a comprehensive substance history analysis.
Hair follicle testing excels in Richland, OR, by offering a prolonged detection window of up to 90 days. This long duration provides employers with a thorough perspective on substance use patterns.
By capturing a broader spectrum of drug usage, hair tests empower organizations to assess an individual’s historic substance use effectively, providing a detailed overview unavailable with shorter detection methods.
In Richland, OR, hair follicle tests stand out as a tamper-resistant method. Reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver results that are both reliable and unquestionable.
Employers can assure the authenticity of drug test results, minimizing the chance of manipulation and providing a trustworthy assessment of substance use through hair testing.
In Richland, OR, convenience is key when it comes to our nationwide and local testing centers. With easy and hassle-free access, testing services are quick to reach.
Our extensive network ensures swift availability, making it simple for individuals and businesses to utilize our comprehensive testing solutions swiftly and efficiently.
Richland, OR benefits from a straightforward and private testing process. Ordering, completing the test, and obtaining results are designed for ease of use and confidentiality.
Our process addresses privacy concerns by ensuring that each step is handled with care, facilitating a seamless testing experience for all involved.
Richland, OR offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, making hair follicle testing a cost-effective option for businesses of any size.
Through our affordable structures and prompt results, companies benefit from both value and assurance, enabling informed decision-making with budget-conscious solutions.
In Richland, OR, the precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Their capability to accurately detect substance usage makes them a preferred choice for fast and reliable results.
Capable of delivering results quickly, hair follicle tests ensure that findings are both precise and reflective of the subject's history, setting a high standard for accuracy in detection.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Richland, OR ensures workplace compliance with drug-free policies, enhancing safety while minimizing legal ramifications.
For employers seeking peace of mind, hair testing offers a dependable measure to uphold safety and discipline, adhering to industry standards with confidence in the testing process.
