Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term data on alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Sampling hair near the scalp can offer up to a three-month detection window for alcohol and drug substances. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately resembling a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it is suggested to collect 150mg of the sample. Use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the sample. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for drugs. Although Screening is a budget-friendly strategy to eliminate drug use on many samples, a positive result must be verified to be considered valid in a legal setting. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations from hair compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening particularly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing presumptively positive are cleaned before Confirmation as required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Frederickson, WA, offers significant advantages over urine testing. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests in detecting a broad spectrum of substances are unparalleled, ensuring superior results.
Key Benefits:
Hair follicle testing in Frederickson, WA, provides an extended detection window, capturing drug use over the past 90 days. This comprehensive insight is invaluable for employers seeking to understand an individual's substance use history fully.
The extended detection period offers a broader view of substance use patterns, supporting employers in Frederickson in maintaining a thorough and effective substance use evaluation process.
Hair follicle tests in Frederickson, WA, are a tamper-resistant method, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures the reliability of results and strengthens trust in the testing process.
The observed collection process further prevents any tampering, making hair tests the most secure option for drug testing in Frederickson, offering unquestionable and credible outcomes.
Convenience is key with our testing locations in Frederickson, WA. Accredited Drug Testing offers nationwide centers, ensuring quick and hassle-free access, making the testing process seamless for all participants.
Frederickson residents benefit from local and readily accessible testing locations that provide efficient services tailored to meet various needs.
The process of hair follicle testing in Frederickson, WA, is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are straightforward, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
Confidential handling of personal information and results ensures peace of mind for individuals undergoing testing, highlighting a user-friendly experience in Frederickson.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing in Frederickson, WA, alongside rapid turnaround times. This provides exceptional value, ensuring businesses of all sizes benefit from cost-effective and timely drug testing solutions.
The affordability and quick processing reinforce our commitment to delivering top-tier services in Frederickson, catering to diverse organizational needs with efficiency.
In Frederickson, WA, the precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, offering fast and reliable results. Their high accuracy in detecting substance use makes them the preferred choice for organizations seeking dependable outcomes.
Hair tests deliver swift results without compromising accuracy, enabling employers in Frederickson to make informed decisions quickly and effectively. Their reliability is a testament to their superior testing methodologies.
Employers in Frederickson, WA, gain compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting workplace safety.
By reducing the likelihood of undetected drug use, hair testing ensures a safer environment, allowing employers in Frederickson to focus on productivity and employee well-being.