Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug usage. The hair captures prolonged alcohol and drug history by locking biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. By collecting hair nearest to the scalp, it provides an approximate 3-month window for alcohol and drug detection. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil in thickness) taken close to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is missing, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a primary swift assessment to detect drugs of abuse. While it serves as an economical approach to mostly exclude drug usage, a positive screening must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive in the Screening stage, more hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are derived from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The full laboratory process, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing drug testing methods in Keating, OR, hair follicle testing proves superior to traditional urine tests. Hair tests not only offer extended detection windows but also provide a more accurate measurement of substance use over time. Employers and legal entities benefit from the heightened reliability and reduced likelihood of false negatives.
The extended detection capability of hair follicle testing in Keating, OR gives employers a broader view into an individual's substance use history, covering up to 90 days. This prolonged window allows for a detailed assessment of an employee's or applicant's potential habits, aiding in making informed decisions about workforce reliability.
Hair follicle tests are inherently tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the risk of adulteration. In Keating, OR, this translates to delivering trustworthy and incontrovertible testing outcomes, ensuring the integrity of the drug testing process. Unlike urinalysis, hair testing can provide peace of mind against potential manipulation.
Residents of Keating, OR, and beyond can enjoy convenient access to drug testing through our widespread network. Our strategically located centers nationwide make it straightforward for individuals and companies to utilize our services without hassle, ensuring quick and efficient testing processes wherever you are.
Our drug testing process in Keating, OR is designed to be smooth and confidential. Ordering, undertaking, and receiving results are streamlined to uphold privacy and ease of access for all clients. We prioritize customer anonymity and simplicity from start to finish, addressing privacy concerns effectively.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our drug testing services in Keating, OR offer excellent value to companies of varying sizes. Affordable rates matched with the rapid delivery of results guarantee peace of mind, as businesses can rely on our services to meet their needs efficiently and economically.
Hair follicle drug tests in Keating, OR stand out for their quick and dependable results. They provide exceptional accuracy when identifying traces of substance use. With expedited processing times, individuals and organizations can trust that results will be timely and precise, offering a reliable solution for those who seek certainty in drug testing.
In Keating, OR, adopting hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal liabilities by ensuring compliance, upholding safety standards, and promoting a secure work environment. With these tests, businesses achieve the dual benefit of reliability and risk management.
