What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly acknowledged as an effective approach to detect drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of the hair strands capture biomarkers, offering a historical insight into alcohol and drug use. A sample collected close to the scalp can provide a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to gather, not easily tampered with, and straightforward to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome comprises four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves introducing a sample into a laboratory’s system, confirming that it was sealed and shipped appropriately, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any unfinished data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.

During Screening, a quick preliminary check is conducted for drugs of misuse. Although Screening economically helps to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening need further confirmation.

Should a sample be preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a particularly challenging method to execute.

A positive result from Screening is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptively positive are cleansed before the confirmation process as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Extended detection window: Hair drug tests detect drug use for as long as 90 days, as opposed to urine tests with shorter windows.
Minimal opportunity for cheating: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to cheat, ensuring more reliable results.
Historical data provision: They can show a drug use trend over an extended period, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

Inability to detect recent use: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to appear in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests are usually more costly than alternative drug testing methods.
Result variations: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact the drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Superior Detection Accuracy
In Bellevue, ID, hair follicle testing is a preferred choice over more traditional urine tests. With a longer detection window, hair tests uncover drug use effectively, providing a more accurate assessment of substance use history.

Enhanced Reliability
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Bellevue is favored for its more reliable results, reducing the chances of false negatives or positives. This provides a higher level of assurance in the detection process.

Extended Detection Window

Comprehensive Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Bellevue, ID, allows for an extensive detection period of up to 90 days. This method gives employers a detailed insight into an individual's substance use history, beyond the capabilities of traditional tests.

Long-Term Tracking
Offering a far-reaching detection timeline, hair follicle testing reveals drug use over several months. This wider window assists employers in Bellevue with making informed decisions regarding substance use among their staff.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Enhanced Security against Tampering
In Bellevue, ID, the integrity of hair follicle testing is unmatched, minimizing the risk of sample tampering. This testing method is proven to deliver credible and untampered results, instilling confidence in the testing process.

Reliable Outcomes
Hair follicle tests in Bellevue are designed to resist adulteration, providing unquestionable and dependable results. The method stands as a robust defense against any form of sample manipulation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Access
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including facilities in Bellevue, ID, ensures easy access to hair follicle testing services. The convenience allows quick and hassle-free testing for individuals and employers alike.

Local and Nationwide Options
Whether you're in Bellevue or beyond, our widespread testing locations provide seamless access to drug testing services. The extensive reach ensures testing is always within reach, regardless of your location.

Simple, Confidential Process

Effortless and Confidential
In Bellevue, ID, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and keeps privacy at the forefront. From ordering to receiving results, the process ensures confidentiality and ease for all individuals involved.

Privacy-Focused Approach
The seamless process from order to results in Bellevue is designed to maintain confidentiality. Our system guarantees a secure and uncomplicated experience for all parties, emphasizing privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive and Fast
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, our hair follicle testing in Bellevue, ID, delivers excellent value. The swift process ensures results are provided without delay, catering to businesses of all sizes.

Value-Driven Service
In Bellevue, our pricing models are designed to be affordable, alongside a fast testing process. This combination delivers cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Precise Testing
In Bellevue, ID, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their swift and accurate detection capabilities. This advanced method swiftly identifies substance use with high accuracy, ensuring reliable results for all tests conducted.

Enhancing Reliability
Hair follicle testing minimizes errors significantly. Its precision in detecting drugs offers employers and individuals in Bellevue an assurance of reliability and trustworthiness, standing out from other testing techniques.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance
Hair follicle testing in Bellevue, ID, guarantees adherence to drug-free workplace policies, aiding employers in maintaining a legal and safe working environment.

Peace of Mind for Employers
By implementing hair follicle testing, Bellevue employers can be assured of compliance and reduced legal risks. The method not only meets policy standards but also bolsters workplace safety.