Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
The ideal sample for screening and confirmation consists of a 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil), yielding 100mg of hair. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test comprises four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails incorporating a sample into a laboratory’s system, which includes confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening cost-efficiently rules out drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive result during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cove, OR
When it comes to the superiority of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests, the distinction is clear. Hair tests boast greater accuracy in detecting substances, with a reliability that far outweighs conventional urine assessments. This advanced method secures comprehensive detection, proving invaluable for employers seeking thorough screening.
Extended Detection Window in Cove, OR
The significant advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to uncover drug usage over an extended period, up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a detailed perspective on an individual’s substance history, surpassing the limited detection windows of other testing methods. It ensures that past substance use is comprehensively evaluated.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cove, OR
Hair follicle tests offer a robust solution to combat sample tampering, delivering reliable results that withstand scrutiny. This method minimizes the probability of adulteration, securing the integrity of the testing process. The dependability of outcomes from a hair sample promotes confidence, widely recognized as tamper-resistant.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cove, OR
The availability of our testing centers across the nation ensures that access is straightforward and stress-free. Our extensive network, including Cove, OR, guarantees prompt and simplified testing procedures. Quick, accessible, and efficient services emphasize our commitment to convenience for all individuals requiring drug assessment.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cove, OR
Our approach to hair follicle testing emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving results is designed to assure privacy and ease. This method caters to the need for discreet handling of sensitive information, offering users peace of mind alongside straightforward service.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cove, OR
We offer competitive pricing structures combined with rapid processing times, providing exceptional value to businesses of various sizes. Our approach ensures that clients benefit from economically efficient service, while still receiving timely and accurate results, delivering both financial and operational reassurance.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cove, OR
The efficacy of hair follicle tests lies in their ability to provide quick and precise results. Emphasizing a high degree of accuracy, they adeptly identify substance use with remarkable speed, ensuring timely data for decision-makers. Whether for workplace policies or personal purposes, this testing method assures trustworthiness in outcomes, establishing itself as a leader in drug detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cove, OR
Employers can rest assured with hair follicle testing, as it supports adherence to drug-free workplace regulations, thereby mitigating legal threats and enhancing safety. This practice ensures that establishments remain compliant, fostering a secure and law-abiding working environment. The peace of mind provided is invaluable for maintaining order and legality.
