Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Astoria, OR

What it is, How it works

Regarded as an influential mechanism for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol, hair testing offers a prolonged overview of such usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair grants up to a roughly 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to ship.

A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for evaluating and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be acquired. References to head hair denote solely scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four principal stages involved in the lab procedure of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves validating the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data recording absent in an electronic chain of custody structure.

Screening constitutes an initial swift check for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen demands confirmation to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Preparation for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are derived from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening a notably challenging methodology to execute.

Validation of any positive screening result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests can unveil drug use for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which have a less extensive detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, rendering the findings more precise.
• Offers historical insights: It can reveal a usage pattern over a duration, not merely recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of spotting recent use: It requires approximately 5-7 days for drugs to be identifiable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally costlier compared to other drug testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Factors such as hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine analysis in Astoria, OR? Simply put, hair testing offers enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which have shorter detection windows, hair tests offer insights into prolonged periods of substance use.

The benefits of hair testing include its ability to reveal long-term drug use, whereas urine tests may miss them. Hair follicle tests ensure users and employers maintain stringent and reliable detection measures, leaving little room for error.

Extended Detection Window

In Astoria, OR, hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection window, tracking substance use up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history over an extensive period.

Unlike other testing methods, which offer short-term insights, hair follicle tests provide a comprehensive view, helping employers make informed decisions regarding hiring and employee retention based on consistent behavior patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing presents a superior methodology in Astoria, OR. This method significantly diminishes the risk of adulteration, ensuring that test results are reliable and trustworthy.

With this approach, employers and organizations can confidently utilize the results without concerns of manipulation or fraud, reinforcing their decisions and policies based on robust and verifiable data.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Enjoy convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Astoria, OR. Our extensive network of testing centers offers easy, hassle-free access to necessary services, meeting your testing needs wherever you are.

With locations widely available, the challenge of finding a nearby testing site disappears. The seamless access ensures individuals and organizations can carry out tests quickly and efficiently without unnecessary delays or complications.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Astoria, OR, experience a simple, confidential process for hair follicle testing. The straightforwardness in ordering, taking, and receiving test results prioritizes privacy and ease of use.

Individuals concerned with confidentiality can rest assured that all aspects of the testing process are handled with care and professionalism, ensuring a worry-free experience from start to finish.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Astoria, OR, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle tests. Our competitive rates coupled with rapid results make these tests accessible and efficient for businesses of any size.

Fast analysis and cost-effectiveness provide excellent value, allowing companies to maintain budgetary constraints while ensuring effective substance monitoring strategies are in place.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Astoria, OR, hair follicle drug testing stands out for providing fast, accurate, and dependable results. The accuracy of these tests in pinpointing substance use is unparalleled, allowing individuals and businesses to make well-informed decisions swiftly.

The rapid analysis associated with hair follicle testing ensures timely insights into any substance abuse issues. Its precision in detecting illicit drug use offers a powerful tool for employers seeking to maintain a secure and drug-free work environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Astoria, OR, hair follicle testing delivers compliance and peace of mind for employers. By adhering to drug-free workplace policies, businesses mitigate legal risks and foster a safer working environment.

Employers benefit from reliable drug testing results which help enforce company policies effectively. This ensures that all employees operate within the company's safety standards, bolstering the overall safety and performance of their workforce.

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