Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have garnered recognition as an impactful method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged narrative of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair may offer a detection timeframe of up to 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a corresponding amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening encompasses a preliminary swift test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screening must be verified for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and arranged for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn out from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence why hair drug testing is the most complex procedure to execute.
Validation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a cleaning process before confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Caution: Despite commonly being known as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle located under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Granite, OR, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Its ability to cover an extensive drug use history ensures that results are both reliable and comprehensive, offering a clearer picture of an individual’s substance use over time.
Extended Detection Window
In Granite, OR, hair follicle testing excels with its extended detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough insight into an employee's or applicant's drug use history, enabling informed decisions based on a broader timeframe.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Granite, OR, hair follicle tests significantly reduce sample adulteration risks. This method ensures results are both reliable and unquestionable, offering a trustworthy solution to drug testing requirements due to its robust collection and analysis process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
In Granite, OR, accessing testing services is convenient with our extensive network of nationwide centers. This ease of access ensures a straightforward, hassle-free testing process for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Granite, OR, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, ensuring client comfort and discretion throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Granite, OR, our service ensures competitive pricing with rapid result delivery. This offers excellent value for companies of all sizes, balancing cost-effectiveness with prompt, reliable outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Granite, OR, hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision, unmatched speed, and accuracy in detecting substance use. The meticulous approach ensures that results are not only delivered quickly but also maintain the highest levels of reliability, offering confidence in screening outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Granite, OR, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. This method mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety, providing employers with peace of mind knowing that they meet compliance standards effectively.
