Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal an extended history of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When taken from the scalp, hair samples offer a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, approximately 200 strands (the thickness of a #2 pencil), located nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a similar amount of body hair is an alternative. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. In contrast, body hair refers to other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of integrating a sample into the lab system. It entails ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift evaluation for drug abuse. While Screening is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples with preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a sample shows a preliminary positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to carry out.
Confirmation for any positive result in screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Lake Stickney, WA, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in several ways.
Firstly, the detection window is significantly longer, capturing drug use history more comprehensively.
Moreover, the accuracy and reliability of hair testing exceed traditional methods, offering a more foolproof solution.
The extended detection window is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Lake Stickney, WA.
Employers gain insight into an individual's substance history for up to 90 days.
This comprehensive overview aids in making informed decisions regarding hiring and ongoing employment.
Hair follicle tests in Lake Stickney, WA offer a tamper-resistant solution.
The likelihood of adulteration is significantly reduced, ensuring reliable results.
This method provides an unquestionable outcome, bolstering confidence in the testing process.
With numerous testing locations in Lake Stickney, WA, accessing services is easy.
The convenience of nationwide centers ensures timely and effortless testing experiences.
Individuals benefit from quick, hassle-free access to necessary assessments.
Lake Stickney, WA offers a straightforward, confidential testing process.
Ordering, taking, and receiving results is designed to be simple and discreet.
The emphasis on privacy and user ease makes the experience stress-free.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times characterize services in Lake Stickney, WA.
This combination offers excellent value, catering to companies of any size.
Clients enjoy premium services without compromising on speed or cost.
In Lake Stickney, WA, hair follicle drug tests are praised for their speed and accuracy.
The precision of detecting substances is unmatched, providing rapid and dependable results.
Users appreciate the high degree of accuracy, ensuring reliable assessments for both personal and professional needs.
Employers in Lake Stickney, WA find peace of mind using hair follicle testing for compliance.
This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.
Implementing such tests enhances safety, providing a secure environment for all employees.
