Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing has evolved into viewing it as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair acts as a timeline for alcohol and substance intake, capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's growing fibers. When clipped near the scalp, it can reveal a close to 3-month usage history for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to compromise, and simple for transportation.
A sample of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10-panel screens, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" specifically indicates scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or underarm).
Process Overview
Key stages in lab processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial entry into the lab's system. It involves confirming proper sealing and dispatch, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drug consumption. Despite its cost efficiency, a positive screening must be validated for legal acceptance. Any indicative positives from Screening necessitate an additional confirmation step.
In cases of indicative positivity during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are procured from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), underscoring hair drug screening's complexity.
Validation of any positive screening outcome employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples suspected positive undergo washing before validation if necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair mandate and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair testing in Chehalem Mountain, OR, surpasses urine testing by offering more reliable, accurate results. While traditional urine tests have been the go-to, hair testing's longer detection window and resistance to manipulation highlight its superiority. Employers and agencies benefit from hair testing's broader scope in monitoring substance use, enhancing policy enforcement.
Extended Detection Window
Chehalem Mountain, OR, embraces hair follicle testing for its extended detection capability. Spanning up to 90 days, this method provides a thorough overview of an individual's substance history. Employers gain insights into a candidate's long-term behaviors, ensuring informed decisions regarding employment suitability and fostering safer workplace environments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Chehalem Mountain, OR, hair follicle tests drastically minimize the potential for tampering. The difficulty in adulterating hair samples provides a high level of integrity to results. Businesses and legal entities rely on these tests for their accuracy and unquestionable validity, thus ensuring a dependable process for monitoring substance use among participants.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Chehalem Mountain, OR, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide presence, ensuring convenient and prompt testing services. Local and national centers provide easy access to hair follicle tests, making the process seamless for individuals and employers. This extensive network facilitates hassle-free testing experiences locally and beyond.
Simple, Confidential Process
Accredited Drug Testing in Chehalem Mountain, OR, offers a straightforward, private approach to hair follicle testing. The process—from ordering to result delivery—is designed for ease and confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Clients experience a hassle-free service, with priorities on simplicity and user-friendly protocols.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Chehalem Mountain, OR, businesses appreciate the competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offered by hair follicle testing. This cost-effective solution provides excellent value, ensuring quick results without compromising quality. It caters to diverse budgets, facilitating access to top-notch testing for organizations of varying sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
Hair follicle drug testing in Chehalem Mountain, OR, offers unmatched precision. This method provides swift and accurate detection of substances, making it a superior choice for rapid testing—ideal for urgent scenarios. Hair follicle tests ensure high accuracy in pinpointing substance use, delivering unequivocal results for individuals and employers.
Compliance and Peace of Mind
Employers in Chehalem Mountain, OR, attain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace compliance. This method mitigates legal risks and enhances safety, aligning with organizational policies. Hair testing is crucial for maintaining a secure work environment, reducing liabilities associated with substance use.