Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive record of substance use, capturing biomarkers within the developing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage over a span of roughly three months. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) situated closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for evaluation and validation. For EtG, supplements, and/or assessments above 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair exclusively imply scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s database, emphasizing the verification of proper sealing and transportation of the specimen, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses a preliminary swift review for drug misuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient technique to discount drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening warrant a follow-up confirmation.
If a specimen shows a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most complex methodology 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 as required. The overall lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination specifically analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Echo, OR
Hair follicle testing offers substantial benefits over traditional urine tests, mainly in terms of superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests may miss long-term drug usage, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview, capturing substance use more precisely and convincingly. This makes hair testing a more accurate reflection of an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Echo, OR
One of the most compelling advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window gives employers a broader understanding of a candidate or employee's substance use history, allowing for a more informed decision-making process regarding employment and workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Echo, OR
Hair follicle tests are highly regarded for their resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring the results are trustworthy and accurate. With its reliable and unquestionable outcomes, hair follicle testing stands out as a secure method to monitor substance use effectively.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Echo, OR
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a network of nationwide centers, including local options in Echo, OR, that facilitate easy access to testing services. This convenience ensures that individuals and employers can receive quick, efficient, and hassle-free testing, no matter where they are located, reinforcing the accessibility of hair follicle testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Echo, OR
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results for hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and discrete. By maintaining privacy and simplicity, hair testing addresses concerns about confidentiality and ease of use, making it an appealing choice for both individuals and organizations.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Echo, OR
Offering competitive pricing plans and quick result turnaround, hair follicle testing delivers exceptional value to businesses of any scale. The balance of affordability and speed not only enhances organizational efficiency but also ensures peace of mind through reliable and timely drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Echo, OR
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering rapid and precise results. The sophisticated nature of these tests ensures high accuracy in detecting substance use, making them a preferred choice for fast and dependable drug testing solutions. The speed and reliability of hair testing offer both peace of mind and swift action for all stakeholders involved.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Echo, OR
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, considerably decreasing legal liabilities and bolstering safety standards. This testing method provides employers with the peace of mind they need, knowing their policies are being effectively enforced for a safer working environment.
