Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers over time, giving insight into alcohol and drug usage history. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal usage data for roughly a 90-day span. It is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields around 100mg, which is the preferred amount for initial tests and confirmation. For testing of EtG, extra panels, or more than 10-panel tests, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It’s best to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we're specifically referring to scalp hair. All other types, such as facial and axillary hair, are considered body hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is entered into the lab's system, ensuring it was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial and economical check for drug presence. While it effectively rules out drug use for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test positive during Screening require confirmation.
When a Screening test shows presumptive positivity, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo a cleaning process as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not on the scalp follicle itself.
Why is hair follicle testing superior to urine testing in Ironside, OR? Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, allowing employers to identify consistent drug use over months, not just days. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests cover a longer period, providing a clearer picture of an individual's substance history. Enhancing detection capabilities leads to more informed decision-making for companies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Ironside, OR, sets them apart. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days before the test, they allow employers to assess an individual's sustained substance habits. This longer detection period is invaluable for comprehensive evaluations, ensuring that employers have a complete understanding of an applicant or employee's drug history and can make well-informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Ironside, OR, reduces the risk of tampering, ensuring reliable results. Unlike other methods that can be manipulated, hair samples are less susceptible to adulteration. This tamper-resistant nature makes hair tests a trustworthy choice for employers aiming to uphold drug-free policies and legalities, resulting in unquestionable outcomes that stand up to scrutiny.
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to services in Ironside, OR. With a nationwide presence, Accredited Drug Testing offers easy and hassle-free testing near you. The local testing options provide quick solutions for companies and individuals alike, ensuring that our services are within reach whenever you need them.
In Ironside, OR, ordering and taking a hair follicle test couldn’t be simpler or more confidential. From scheduling to receiving results, our process protects your privacy while ensuring ease of use. This seamless, straightforward approach encourages individuals and employers to engage in testing with confidence, assured their personal information remains secure.
We offer competitive pricing for our hair follicle testing services in Ironside, OR, coupled with fast turnaround times. Our affordable packages ensure that companies of all sizes receive great value for their investment. Quick result processing aids in efficient decision-making, providing both financial savings and timeliness for businesses concerned with workplace safety and compliance.
In Ironside, OR, hair follicle drug tests provide exceptional precision and speed for detecting substance use. These tests are highly accurate, ensuring that employers receive dependable results swiftly. Hair follicle testing offers high precision in analyzing samples, increasing trust in the outcomes. The rapid processing times further ensure timely decisions, crucial for maintaining workplace safety and compliance.
Employers in Ironside, OR, gain peace of mind through the compliance benefits of hair follicle testing. This method aligns seamlessly with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. By ensuring adherence to regulations, businesses safeguard against potential liabilities. Consequently, employers can maintain a secure and compliant environment with more confidence.
