Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand, hair offers a prolonged history of substance use. When collected from near the scalp, it can reveal up to around a 3-month period of alcohol and drug usage. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional analysis, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's best to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the beginning of processing a sample into the lab’s system. It involves ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data needed beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances. While it is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most specimens, a positive result requires confirmation for legal standing. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this stage, substances are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suggesting positive results are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Green, OR, the benefits of hair testing become evident when contrasted with traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests provide an extended detection period, uncovering drug use up to 90 days back, while urine tests typically cover a much shorter window. This expanded timeframe offers a more comprehensive picture of test subjects' substance use history.
Hair testing's reliability outmatches that of urine tests. Since hair samples are gathered under direct observation, opportunities for cheating are minimized. Urine tests, however, can be tampered with more easily, calling their reliability into question.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Green, OR, is its extended detection window. This method can trace drug use up to 90 days back, offering employers a thorough perspective on substance use patterns over time. Such insights are critical for informed decision-making.
This comprehensive approach allows employers in Green to evaluate potential hires or current employees more effectively, helping to maintain a drug-free workplace by understanding long-term usage trends and ensuring adherence to company policies.
In Green, OR, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant solution for drug screening, markedly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The method's reliance on samples collected from hair strands eliminates common tampering techniques associated with urine tests.
This reliability offers both peace of mind and trustworthy results for organizations and legal entities requiring dependable drug testing mechanisms. As a result, decisions can be made with greater confidence.
In Green, OR, and across the nation, our network of convenient testing centers stands out. This accessibility ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access to hair follicle drug testing, making the process stress-free for all involved.
Our strategically located centers facilitate timely testing and simplify logistics, enhancing the overall testing experience by providing support where it's needed most, without the need for extensive travel.
The hair follicle testing process in Green, OR, is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring the privacy of all participants. From ordering tests to obtaining results, every step of the process prioritizes discretion and ease.
This approach addresses common privacy concerns and helps encourage participation by making the experience seamless, allowing individuals and employers to focus on the insights gained from the testing results.
In Green, OR, our hair follicle testing services are noted for their affordable pricing and fast turnaround. The competitive cost structure provides excellent value, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Beyond affordability, our commitment to speedy results ensures that businesses can promptly address any issues, minimizing potential disruptions and maintaining their focus on core operations without unnecessary delays.
Hair follicle drug tests in Green, OR, offer fast, accurate, and reliable results, standing out for their precision in substance detection. Their advanced testing capability ensures that results are not only quick but also consistently dependable, providing stakeholders with the confidence needed in high-stakes environments.
The testing process is streamlined to deliver speedy results without compromising on accuracy. In contexts requiring rapid decision-making, this method proves invaluable, offering a competitive edge in maintaining safety and compliance standards.
Employers in Green, OR, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method's ability to detect past substance use over a longer period helps reduce legal liabilities and enhance overall safety.
Hair testing fosters a culture of trust and peace of mind, reassuring both employers and employees about the commitment to a safe working environment. It serves as a strong deterrent against substance misuse in the workplace.
