Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month observation window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It’s suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial evaluation of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening allows for an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Any samples that are potentially positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a potential positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and set up for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All potential positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle under the scalp.
In Burns, OR, hair follicle testing stands superior to urine testing due to its extended detection window and accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent consumption, hair tests reveal drug use up to 90 days. This expanded timeframe provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding employers and agencies in making informed choices.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Burns, OR, allows employers to review substance use for up to 90 days. This prolonged period surpasses the limitations of other testing methods, presenting a clear, reliable picture of an individual's drug usage history. Employers benefit from this insight when evaluating current or potential employees.
In Burns, OR, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing ensures results are trustworthy and difficult to manipulate. While other tests can be susceptible to substitution or adulteration, the methodical collection and analysis of hair samples provide solid evidence of an individual's substance use, guaranteeing results that employers can confidently rely on.
With a network of convenient testing locations Nationwide and in Burns, OR, accessing drug testing services is simple and hassle-free. Our centers are strategically placed for easy access, ensuring timely and efficient services for individuals and businesses alike. This widespread availability ensures that testing is never out of reach.
The process in Burns, OR is both simple and confidential, catering to those who prioritize privacy. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the streamlined approach respects individual privacy while maintaining efficiency. Clients can confidently manage their testing needs without worrying about data security or lengthy procedures.
In Burns, OR, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround, making it accessible for organizations of all sizes. Competitive pricing coupled with swift results ensures that businesses can maintain safety and compliance without excessive cost. The balance of economy and quality service provides excellent value.
Hair follicle drug tests in Burns, OR offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision in detecting substance use surpasses traditional methods, providing a robust solution for those who require immediate data. The advanced technology means results are processed quickly, ensuring individuals and employers in Burns can make informed decisions in minimal time.
Hair follicle testing in Burns, OR, offers employers compliance and peace of mind. Utilizing this method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and fostering a safer work environment. The test's accuracy and security ensure adherence to regulations, shielding companies from potential liabilities and concerns.
