Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronicling medium for alcohol and other drugs, capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair may offer a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. Reference to head hair exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Four principal steps in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court validity. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If the Screening phase yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are drawn from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is notably complex to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outperforms urine tests in Gopher Flats, OR, with enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests are commonly used, hair tests can identify substance use over an extended period. Their precise results and difficulty to cheat make hair tests an ideal choice for those seeking superior detection methods that provide a complete substance history.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days in Gopher Flats, OR. This feature allows employers to get a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's substance use history, offering peace of mind. The ability to detect long-term usage trends makes this testing method an invaluable tool for managing workplace safety and compliance.
Gopher Flats, OR, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests deliver reliable and unquestionable results. Employers favor this method for its ability to provide clear insights into an individual's substance use without manipulation risks, ensuring fairness and accuracy.
Gopher Flats, OR, benefits from convenient access to nationwide and local testing locations. Our testing centers ensure quick, easy, and hassle-free access to essential services, offering a network that employers and individuals can rely on for their testing needs. This extensive reach simplifies the logistics of drug testing.
In Gopher Flats, OR, our simple, confidential testing process addresses privacy concerns effectively. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, every step of the process is designed to be straightforward and discreet, guaranteeing that individuals feel secure and comfortable while undergoing testing.
Gopher Flats, OR, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. Our competitive pricing structures ensure our services provide maximum value to companies of all sizes. Our quick turnaround times mean results are delivered promptly, allowing businesses to make timely decisions.
In Gopher Flats, OR, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are precise and swift, ensuring that substance use is detected with high accuracy. The method minimizes the risk of errors and provides trustworthy outcomes, making it a preferred choice for many institutions that prioritize rapid and dependable results.
In Gopher Flats, OR, the implementation of hair follicle testing can help employers maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, hair tests provide employers with peace of mind, knowing that they're upholding high standards within their work environment.