Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When extracted proximal to the scalp, hair can reveal an approximate 3-month timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (analogous to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We propose weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial input of a sample into a lab’s framework. This process includes confirming that the sample was sealed and transported appropriately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening engages in an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to negate drug usage in the bulk of samples, a positive screen must be validated to hold up in legal settings. Any samples suggested to be positive during Screening do necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Cornelius, OR stands out for its heightened detection capabilities. Hair tests reveal a longer history of drug use, often up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that cover only recent use. This makes them ideal for employers seeking a thorough understanding of an applicant’s or employee’s drug use background.
Furthermore, hair tests are conducted under observation, significantly reducing the chances of cheating or sample tampering, which can be concerns with urine tests. This enhances the reliability and credibility of the results, making hair follicle testing a superior option.
Hair follicle testing in Cornelius, OR is particularly beneficial due to its extensive detection window, offering visibility into drug use for up to 90 days. This timeframe is much more extensive than that of urine tests, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of drug use habits over a prolonged period.
This longer detection period provides employers with a more accurate account of an individual’s substance use history, which can be crucial in making informed employment decisions. It offers a robust foundation for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
One notable advantage of hair follicle tests in Cornelius, OR is their resilience against tampering. The testing process ensures that samples remain uncontaminated, preventing adulteration that could skew results. This offers a level of trust and confidence in the accuracy of tests that other methods struggle to match.
The observed collection method associated with hair follicle testing further reduces the risk of tampering, setting a high standard for reliability and leaving nothing to chance. Employers and individuals can have peace of mind knowing their tests reflect true substance use.
Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network of locations, including Cornelius, OR, ensures that clients have convenient access to testing services. With centers available nationwide, scheduling a test is hassle-free, whether in Cornelius or beyond, simplifying the process for everyone involved.
Our local presence in Cornelius, OR means that obtaining a hair follicle test is straightforward and swift, minimizing the time and effort required while maximizing the ease of ensuring compliance with testing requirements.
In Cornelius, OR, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential from ordering to receiving results. This streamlined approach alleviates privacy concerns and fosters a user-friendly experience, essential elements for individuals and employers alike.
The confidentiality of the testing process is paramount, ensuring that sensitive information is protected. Clients can trust that their data is handled discreetly throughout every stage, reinforcing their confidence in our services.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing in Cornelius, OR, making it an affordable solution for businesses regardless of size. Our quick turnaround times guarantee that you receive quality service without breaking the bank, providing excellent value.
Fast processing of test results aligns with the financial needs and operational demands of companies, helping maintain productivity without long waiting periods. This balance of cost and efficiency is what sets our services apart.
Hair follicle drug testing in Cornelius, OR offers unmatched precision and speed. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy, catching even minute traces of substances. The ability to detect drug use with rigorous reliability makes hair analysis an invaluable tool for employers, ensuring they have the correct information about substance use when it matters most.
The results from hair follicle tests are not only accurate but are also processed rapidly. This means that employers and individuals in Cornelius, OR can receive the answers they need without undue delay, allowing for timely decision-making based on dependable data.
For employers in Cornelius, OR, hair follicle testing offers assurance and alignment with industry regulations. Using this method helps enforce drug-free workplace policies and mitigates legal risks associated with non-compliance, contributing to a safer, more productive work environment.
The reliability of hair follicle tests fosters peace of mind by ensuring that companies adhere to federal and state regulations, reducing potential legal complications and strengthening organizational integrity. Employers can focus on growth knowing they are compliant.
