Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as an effective mechanism for detecting substance use. A hair strand captures a chronological record of alcohol and other drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within its fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use for an approximate duration of 90 days. Hair samples are straightforward to obtain, challenging to alter, and convenient to mail.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands and comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil, is necessary to obtain 100mg, the optimal quantity for both preliminary and definitive testing. For EtG, advanced, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair is suitable. In this context, head hair denotes only scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key procedures in laboratory drug test analysis include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase wherein a sample is logged into the laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the proper sealing and dispatch of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening serves as a preliminary test for commonly abused drugs. Although screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use in most specimens, any positive indications must be authenticated to be legally valid. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a specimen exhibit a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is derived from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at a much finer concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are subject to washing if needed. The laboratory process—from Accessioning through Confirmation—is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the scalp
Why do hair follicle tests outperform urine tests in Albany, OR? Primarily due to their adeptness at detecting substances with greater accuracy and reliability. Hair testing is less prone to manipulation and holds an extended detection time, unlike the more traditional urine testing approach.
Employers gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing as it offers a superior detection window and accuracy over urine tests, showcasing its invaluable role in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Albany, OR boasts an extended detection window, monitoring drug use up to 90 days from collection. This prolonged period allows employers to gain a complete view of an applicant's or employee's substance use history, enhancing decision-making.
This extended monitoring period is invaluable for employers, as it provides a broader understanding of an individual’s potential substance usage compared to shorter-term tests.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Albany, OR is its resistance to tampering. The method significantly reduces the risk of adulteration, ensuring the results are reliable and unquestionable, unlike other testing techniques.
By minimizing the chances of sample adulteration, hair testing ensures high integrity and confidence in the results, making it a trustworthy method for detecting drug use.
Access to hair follicle testing in Albany, OR is convenient due to our extensive network of nationwide testing centers. This ensures that accessing testing services is fast, simple, and free from hassle, wherever you may be located.
With local facilities available, individuals and companies can benefit from the convenience of nearby locations, providing ease and quick access to necessary testing services.
The process for hair follicle testing in Albany, OR remains simple and confidential. From scheduling tests to receiving results, the entire process protects privacy, ensuring discreet and straightforward service.
By maintaining confidentiality and simplicity, the process addresses privacy concerns and guarantees ease of use, making it highly appealing for all involved parties.
In Albany, OR, hair follicle tests offer affordable pricing and swift turnaround. With competitive rates, they provide excellent value for companies of all sizes seeking efficient testing solutions, enhancing fiscal and operational efficiency.
Quick turnaround times further bolster their value, as they allow businesses to obtain results promptly without incurring excessive costs, thus benefiting from both speed and cost-effectiveness.
In Albany, OR, hair follicle drug tests offer rapid and dependable results due to their high precision. This method accurately identifies substance use and ensures fast turnaround times, making it a preferred choice for those requiring immediate insights.
High accuracy in hair follicle testing not only confirms drug presence but does so efficiently, providing clarity at a much quicker rate compared to traditional methods.
Employers in Albany, OR can enjoy compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method aids in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment for all stakeholders.
Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures workplaces remain compliant with regulations. It mitigates legal concerns and promotes a culture of safety and responsibility among employees.
