Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Airway Heights, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a chronic history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, the hair can deliver a detection window of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (resembles a #2 pencil in size) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional panels, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for precise weighing. If head hair is inaccessible, the same quantity of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other forms of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory analysis of a drug test encompasses four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s database. This includes confirming the sample’s seal and proper shipment, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any extra data entry omitted by an electronic custody tracking system.

Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While it serves as an economical strategy to exclude drug consumption in the majority of samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for legal submission. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample registers a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis one of the most challenging methods to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing as necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation guidelines.

Advantages of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection period: Hair testing can determine drug usage for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with a shorter detection interval.
• Harder to falsify: Attempting to deceive a hair drug test is very challenging, leading to more reliable results.
• Offers historical insight: It can reveal a substance use pattern over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent usage: Drugs require about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier compared to other testing methods.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal discrepancies in hair growth can influence the level of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair testing in Airway Heights, WA, offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The main benefit is the superior detection accuracy and reliability, providing a more comprehensive review of an individual's substance use. Hair tests are less prone to sample tampering, making them the preferred option for many employers and courts.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Airway Heights, WA, benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window. This method can detect drug usage over a span of up to 90 days, as compared to shorter detection periods of other tests. This provides a clearer picture of an employee's or candidate's history with substances, helping to make informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Airway Heights, WA, offer a tamper-resistant testing method that virtually eliminates the risk of sample adulteration. This process ensures the reliability of the results, providing unquestionable evidence of substance use and reinforcing trust in the testing procedures.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Airway Heights, WA, residents benefit from convenient testing locations nationwide, ensuring easy access to hair follicle tests. With our wide network, individuals can find local testing centers without hassle, ensuring that the testing process is fast and accessible for everyone needing these vital services.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Airway Heights, WA, simple and confidential processes define our approach to hair follicle testing. From ordering to receiving the results, users experience privacy and ease. This streamlined approach reassures participants that their personal information remains secure throughout every step of the process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our services in Airway Heights, WA, offer affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, making hair follicle testing accessible to companies of all sizes. By providing competitive rates and fast results, we ensure that businesses receive excellent value, enhancing trust and satisfaction with our services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Airway Heights, WA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and accuracy, offering rapid and dependable results. Precision in detecting drug use makes them a reliable choice for employers and individuals alike, ensuring they receive trustworthy results without the long wait times often associated with other testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Airway Heights, WA, gives employers compliance and peace of mind. This testing method helps maintain adherence to workplace drug policies, mitigating potential legal issues. It also promotes a safer and more productive work environment by discouraging substance abuse.

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