Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug markers, embedding them within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or extended panels beyond 10, 150mg of hair is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is initially brought into a laboratory’s workflow. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining information entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening economically determines drug usage in most samples, a positive result needs further verification for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair from the original specimen is used for Extraction. This phase involves hair drug extraction at much lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and alignment with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Applegate, OR
Hair follicle testing offers a significant edge over traditional urine tests, particularly in detecting long-term drug usage. The process is renowned for its accuracy and reliability, reducing false positives and ensuring comprehensive substance use assessment, unlike the short detection span of urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Applegate, OR
The hair follicle test's capacity to reveal drug consumption over a 90-day period provides valuable insights into an individual's habits. Employers gain a thorough understanding of a job applicant's or current employee's substance history, an advantage not afforded by shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Applegate, OR
Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering, making them an ideal choice for accurate drug screening. The method's design minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, yielding results that stakeholders can trust without doubt or concern.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Applegate, OR
With a network of testing facilities located nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing is convenient and stress-free. Local centers, including those in Applegate, OR, ensure prompt service without the hassle, making the testing process exceptionally user-friendly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Applegate, OR
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains participant confidentiality. From ordering tests to receiving secure results, the entire procedure respects privacy, addressing common concerns with ease and assurance.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Applegate, OR
Our competitive pricing strategy, combined with a quick turnaround time, provides organizations with exceptional value. Hair follicle testing not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also expedites the screening process, contributing to effective management practices.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Applegate, OR
Hair follicle drug testing provides swift and precise outcomes, setting a new standard in substance detection. Known for superior accuracy, hair tests are highly effective in identifying recent and past drug use. Results are delivered promptly, allowing for timely decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Applegate, OR
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing can maintain drug-free workplaces with confidence. This method ensures adherence to drug policies, lowers legal threats, and enhances safety, ultimately providing peace of mind and safeguarding organizational integrity.