Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fiber of the hair as it grows, hair offers a comprehensive timeline regarding the use of alcohol and drugs. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal evidence of alcohol and drug use for roughly a quarter of a year. The collection of hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG add-ons or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair may be provided. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only, while body hair refers to all other categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in conducting a laboratory drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step ensures that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any supplementary data entry required beyond an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a fast preliminary test for substances of abuse. Though Screening efficiently excludes most samples from drug use, a screen yielding a positive result necessitates confirmation to be permissible legally. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening must undergo an additional validation step.
For samples that are presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from the hair at reduced concentrations compared to other types such as urine or oral fluids, highlighting why hair drug screening is the most complex method to implement.
Confirmation of any initially positive result takes place through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive specimens are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the examination actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
In Colton, OR, hair follicle testing offers numerous benefits over traditional urine tests. Hair tests are renowned for their superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis provides a more extended detection window and greater resistance to tampering, delivering assured results.
In Colton, OR, hair follicle testing excels in detecting drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This longer detection window allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an applicant's or employee's substance history, providing important data for informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Colton, OR, stand out with their tamper-resistant nature. Significantly lowering the risk of sample adulteration, they offer reliable and indisputable results. The robustness of this testing method provides both individuals and employers with peace of mind and assured accuracy.
The convenience of our nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Colton, OR, makes accessing hair follicle tests quick and hassle-free. With widespread coverage, individuals and businesses benefit from rapid and straightforward service without delays or complications.
In Colton, OR, the process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results remains simple and confidential. Addressing privacy concerns, the streamlined process ensures ease of use, maintaining a balance between confidentiality and functionality.
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround are hallmarks of our services in Colton, OR. Offering excellent value, our hair follicle testing meets the budgetary needs of companies of all sizes, providing them with assurance and peace of mind without compromising on quality.
The precision and promptness of hair follicle drug tests in Colton, OR, are unmatched. By pinpointing substance use with outstanding accuracy, they provide fast results, giving individuals and employers reliable insights. Hair testing boasts high accuracy, setting it apart from other methods, and ensures confidence in the outcomes.
Employers in Colton, OR, find comfort and assurance with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This method helps in minimizing legal risks, enhancing workplace safety, and guaranteeing compliance which leads to a secure and drug-free environment.
