Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Jordan Valley, OR

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has grown in recognition as a robust method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged history of alcohol and various drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can offer up to roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to ship.

A 1.5-inch piece comprising about 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample for examination and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" incorporates all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning deals with the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. It entails ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial swift check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective measure to dismiss drug usage in the bulk of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples presumed positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.

If a sample is tentatively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.

Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all tentative positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeline: Hair drug tests can trace drug usage for up to 90 days, as opposed to urine tests with shorter detection periods.
• Challenging to deceive: It’s exceedingly tough to circumvent a hair drug test, thus results are more reliable.
• Conveys historical trends: It delivers a pattern of drug usage over time, not strictly recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent usage: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to be discernible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than alternative testing methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth variations may influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Prevails Over Urine Testing in Jordan Valley, OR

Hair follicle examinations outperform traditional urine tests through superior detection precision and dependability. Their ability to unveil drug use over a prolonged period makes them invaluable for employers requiring comprehensive substance histories. Moreover, observed sample collections ensure integrity, fostering confidence in the results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Jordan Valley, OR

Hair testing is unparalleled in detecting drug usage over extensive periods—up to 90 days. This broad detection window offers employers a more detailed overview of an employee or applicant's substance utilization history, aiding informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing in Jordan Valley, OR

The methodology behind hair tests significantly mitigates the risk of sample tampering. This reliability ensures that results remain unaltered and credible, providing all stakeholders with assurance and confidence in their outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Locations in Jordan Valley, OR

Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, including local options, ensures that everyone can access testing services with ease and speed, eliminating logistical hurdles for both businesses and individuals.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Confidential Processes in Jordan Valley, OR

The procedures for ordering, conducting, and receiving results are structured for simplicity and confidentiality. This approach ensures privacy is respected while making the process accessible and user-friendly for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Jordan Valley, OR

Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times deliver excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring they receive the benefits of reliable drug testing without straining their budgets.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Testing in Jordan Valley, OR

Hair follicle assessments provide rapid and reliable results, ensuring precision in detecting substance intake. This method stands out for its high detection accuracy, swiftly analyzing samples to offer trustworthy outcomes for employers and individuals alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Peace of Mind for Employers Through Compliance in Jordan Valley, OR

Implementing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, enhancing compliance and reducing legal liabilities. This ensures a safer work environment, fostering a culture of accountability and trust.

Drug Testing Near Jordan Valley, OR

Arock, OR