Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The composition of hair records a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection window for alcohol and drugs of up to about three months. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for screening and analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair sample is recommended. If head hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be acquired. When we discuss head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This process ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any required data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary quick evaluation for drugs. Despite being a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation for admissibility in court. Any samples that return a presumptive positive during Screening need further, confirmatory testing.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this segment, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is the most intricate approach.
To verify any positive screening outcome, techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples deemed presumptive positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, excluding the scalp's hair follicle.
When comparing hair tests to urine tests in Fox, OR, the former clearly offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing by providing longer detection windows, making them ideal for comprehensive checks.
Moreover, hair testing reduces the risk of adulteration compared to urine tests, offering a more secure and conclusive result, thus demonstrating its clear benefits over urine testing.
One key advantage of hair follicle testing in Fox, OR, is its extended detection window, which reaches up to 90 days. This period offers employers a detailed history of potential substance use, far surpassing that of urine tests.
With this longer detection period, employers gain a broader view of an employee’s or applicant’s substance habits, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
Hair follicle tests in Fox, OR, are known for their tamper-resistant nature, minimizing risks of sample adulteration perpetuated in other testing methods. The integrity of the hair test ensures credible and trustworthy results.
As altering or substituting samples is significantly challenging with hair tests, they provide reliable results, reducing doubts about the accuracy of substance testing.
In Fox, OR, and beyond, the convenience of nationwide testing centers simplifies accessing our hair testing services. Quick, easy, and hassle-free testing is available at numerous locations, ensuring everyone can use our services without delay.
These local options guarantee timely service provision, affording everyone the opportunity for rapid testing within their community.
In Fox, OR, undergoing the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are done efficiently, addressing privacy and user-friendliness.
The simple nature of these procedures ensures user comfort and enhances security, making them an ideal solution for sensitive drug testing needs.
Hair follicle testing in Fox, OR, is renowned for competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. These elements provide excellent value for companies regardless of their size, ensuring budget-friendly solutions.
The fast delivery of results alongside affordable rates enhances our service offering, granting peace of mind to employers managing public and private sector operations.
In Fox, OR, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed, becoming the preferred method for efficient substance detection. These tests ensure high accuracy in identifying a variety of substances, setting a new standard in the industry.
The streamlined process means fast, reliable results, giving peace of mind to both employers and individuals. Besides their precision, the speed at which results are available enhances their appeal.
For Fox, OR, employers, hair follicle testing offers compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. Utilizing this method provides assurance of adherence, enhancing safety and peace of mind.
The thoroughness of hair-testing helps employers uphold rigorous standards, maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved.