Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Estacada, OR

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers as they grow, providing a historical profile of substances. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer a detection time frame of up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tamper-resistant, and easy for shipment.

A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields about 100mg, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, or beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (for instance, facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

There are four critical phases in processing a drug test in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample enters the lab's system. This step involves checking the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening consists of an initial assessment for illicit drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive result must be validated to hold up in legal contexts. Any presumptively positive Screening samples need further confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, substances are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a challenging process.

Any positive Screening outcomes undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed if needed before confirmation. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection duration: Can identify drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike the shorter window in urine tests.
• Resistant to manipulation: Hair drug tests are difficult to tamper with, ensuring more reliable results.
• Sheds light on usage patterns: Can reveal a timeline of substance use, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent intake: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing alternatives.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and personal hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing with urine tests in Estacada, OR, hair testing stands out for its superior accuracy and reliability.

Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests can detect drug use over a more extended period, offering a clearer picture of a candidate’s history.

Employers often favor hair testing due to its robustness, making it harder to manipulate and offering dependable results.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Estacada, OR, provides an extended detection window, allowing employers to assess drug use up to 90 days prior.

This extended timeframe offers a comprehensive view of a person's substance history, surpassing the limits of traditional tests.

Employers gain a deeper insight into candidates’ behaviors, aiding in selecting dependable and drug-free applicants.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Estacada, OR, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant method significantly lowering the chance of sample tampering.

This testing approach guarantees reliable, unquestionable results, enhancing trust in the drug screening process.

Employers can rely on the integrity of hair testing, reducing the risk of adulterated samples and ensuring authentic results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient nationwide testing locations include centers near Estacada, OR, providing effortless access to testing services.

Our expansive network allows for prompt, hassle-free testing experiences, enhancing accessibility.

With centers easily accessible throughout the country, getting tested is a seamless process, without the burden of travel.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Estacada, OR, our drug testing process is straightforward and confidential, designed with privacy and ease of use in mind.

Ordering a test, undertaking it, and receiving results are all streamlined to ensure discreet handling of sensitive information.

Clients can feel assured, knowing their privacy is protected throughout the testing procedure, enhancing user experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our Estacada, OR services combine affordable pricing with fast turnaround, delivering excellent value to companies.

We offer competitive pricing structures, ensuring quality services accessible to businesses of all sizes.

The quick delivery of results alongside cost-effective options makes our services a preferred choice for efficient drug testing.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The hair follicle drug test delivers fast, precise, and consistent results in Estacada, OR. It boasts high accuracy in detecting substance use, making it the preferred choice for thorough evaluations.

Employers and individuals benefit from the speed and reliability of hair tests, ensuring crucial information is obtained quickly.

The hair test's efficiency is unmatched, providing results that pave the way for informed decision-making processes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Utilizing hair follicle testing in Estacada, OR, helps employers comply with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.

This method fosters a safer work environment, ensuring peace of mind by maintaining a drug-free workforce.

Employers benefit from reduced liability and improved workplace safety by integrating hair testing into their screening protocols.

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