Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) cut near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimum quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifies scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial processing of the sample into the lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carries out any extra data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court validity. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, more hair is drawn from the specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), emphasizing why hair drug testing is the most challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples assumed to be positive are washed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", this analysis evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hazel Dell South, WA
Hair follicle testing is superior for detecting substance abuse. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair analysis provides a 90-day window, compared to urine's short detection period. This extended timeframe makes it ideal for employers serious about maintaining a drug-free workplace, ensuring a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Hazel Dell South, WA
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use up to 90 days prior. This period exceeds that of urine testing, offering a broader view of an individual's substance history. Such comprehensive data aid employers in making informed decisions about current or prospective employees, thereby maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hazel Dell South, WA
Hair follicle tests significantly diminish risks of sample tampering. Due to the nature of the collection process, which is observable and secure, attempts at adulteration are virtually impossible. This tamper-resistant method ensures robust and reliable drug testing results, valuable for businesses and institutions seeking assurance in their testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hazel Dell South, WA
With a comprehensive network of testing centers, including those locally in Hazel Dell South, Accredited Drug Testing offers ease of access to hair follicle testing services. No matter where you're based, our nationwide presence ensures a seamless and straightforward approach to meeting all your testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hazel Dell South, WA
Our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet, ensuring privacy at every stage. From ordering to sample collection and receiving results, every step is designed to be simple and secure, minimizing concerns about confidentiality while ensuring ease of use for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hazel Dell South, WA
Offering competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent value for organizations of all sizes. Coupled with fast turnaround times, companies benefit from prompt results, enabling them to quickly make informed decisions without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hazel Dell South, WA
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and precision. The method involves collecting a small hair sample, which is quickly analyzed to yield highly accurate results. Once an analysis is complete, findings are promptly delivered, offering peace of mind regarding substance use. This method is advantageous for organizations seeking timely and dependable outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hazel Dell South, WA
Employing hair follicle testing helps businesses maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This methodology reduces legal risks and promotes workplace safety, offering business owners peace of mind. By selecting this method, companies can confidently ensure their staff upholds the company’s standards and legal requirements.
