Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal up to a three-month history of alcohol and drug use. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) located nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the requisite quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, auxiliary tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a proportional quantity of body hair might be utilized. When head hair is mentioned, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug test results includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial intake of a specimen into a lab's system. This step verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial cursory assessment for drugs of abuse. Even though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to discard drug use for most specimens, a confirmatory test is necessary to verify a positive screen, especially for legal proceedings. Any screenings suggesting drug presence require subsequent confirmation.
If the Screening process indicates potential drug presence, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Final confirmation for any positive screening is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples suggesting positive results undergo washing before confirmation if required. The whole lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Amanda Park, WA
When it comes to detection accuracy and reliability, hair testing prevails. Unlike urine tests, which can only spot recent substance use, hair follicle tests provide a broader detection window and are less susceptible to interference or tampering. This makes them ideal for comprehensive assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Amanda Park, WA
With the ability to reveal drug use over a span of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers a detailed perspective on an individual’s substance history. This extended timeframe allows for better monitoring and understanding of long-term usage patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Amanda Park, WA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration. Their inherent robustness ensures that once samples are collected under supervision, they remain credible and untampered, providing reliable results that employers can trust.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Amanda Park, WA
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation guarantees convenient and swift access to testing services. Whether in Amanda Park, WA, or elsewhere, our facilities ensure your testing needs are addressed efficiently and without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Amanda Park, WA
From ordering to receiving results, our process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. We ensure privacy is maintained at every stage, addressing any privacy concerns and making the testing experience straightforward and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Amanda Park, WA
Our competitive pricing structures, combined with swift result turnaround times, provide significant value for businesses of any size. Companies benefit from cost-effective solutions and gain assurance in the timely reception of testing results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Amanda Park, WA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed in delivering results. Their high accuracy in detecting substance use ensures clarity and reliability for both individuals and organizations. This efficiency promotes informed decision-making and enhances trust in the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Amanda Park, WA
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing potential legal exposures. This methodology enhances safety and offers employers peace of mind, knowing their operations align with compliance standards.
