Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become a significant method in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use for a period of up to three months. It is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to mail.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. “Head hair” refers specifically to scalp hair, while “body hair” encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The principal stages in laboratory analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This step involves validating proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any other data entry that is not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for substances of concern. Although Screening is economically viable for dismissing drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be verified to be legally acceptable. Samples presumed positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentration levels compared to other methodologies like urine or oral fluid, underscoring hair drug screening as a complex methodology.
Any positive screening outcome is verified using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often described as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Newport Hills, WA Hair follicle testing provides superior advantages over traditional urine tests. It excels in detection accuracy and reliability, ensuring that substances are identified more effectively. In comparison to urine testing, hair analysis captures a longer history of drug use, making it a more dependable choice for employers and professionals in Newport Hills.
Extended Detection Window in Newport Hills, WA Hair drug testing offers an extensive detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers in Newport Hills with a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. Understanding this timeframe helps employers assess the long-term patterns of employee or applicant drug use effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Newport Hills, WA Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to tampering, ensuring accurate and unquestionable results. The test's robust design in Newport Hills significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Employers can trust in its reliability, as it eliminates common methods used to alter or cheat urine test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Newport Hills, WA Accredited Drug Testing provides hassle-free access to testing locations nationwide, including Newport Hills. This convenience ensures that individuals and companies can easily meet their testing needs without complications. With accessible locations, scheduling a hair follicle test is straightforward and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Newport Hills, WA The process of ordering, completing, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is simple and maintains high confidentiality. Individuals in Newport Hills can trust that their privacy is prioritized, with easy-to-follow procedures that respect their need for discretion and seamless service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Newport Hills, WA Our competitive pricing structure combined with quick turnaround times offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes in Newport Hills. With affordable rates, companies can obtain the timely results they require, ensuring efficient management of their workforce and associated policies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Newport Hills, WA The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Newport Hills offer unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use. These tests quickly provide reliable results, allowing employers and individuals to make informed decisions with confidence. The effective design ensures that any traces of drugs are promptly detected, offering peace of mind.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Newport Hills, WA Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures that employers comply with workplace drug-free mandates. This approach mitigates legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. In Newport Hills, employers gain peace of mind knowing that their drug testing policies are effectively supported by reliable and defensible methodologies.
