Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a detailed history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over a timeframe of up to about 3 months. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is challenging to tamper with, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both initial screening and confirmation testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a similar volume of body hair is an alternative. When discussing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial entry of a specimen into the lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was dispatched and sealed correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any required data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Screening is a budget-friendly method for eliminating drug presence in most samples, but a positive result must be confirmed for legal validation. Samples with a presumptive positive outcome in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most complex procedure to conduct.
Positive results in Screening go through Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes a review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually evaluates the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over urine tests in Lakeside, OR, with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection window and can be manipulated, hair tests provide a much longer and comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history, ensuring a more reliable assessment.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage for employers in Lakeside, OR. Covering up to 90 days, it provides a broader perspective on a person's substance use habits, offering a more complete history for employers evaluating potential or current employees. This extended timeframe is invaluable for informed decision-making.
The risk of tampering with test samples is significantly reduced with hair follicle testing in Lakeside, OR. This method guarantees reliable outcomes by ensuring each sample remains secure and unaltered, providing assurance to those relying on accurate drug testing results. With this approach, the results are both trustworthy and difficult to dispute.
Our widespread network of testing centers, including those in Lakeside, OR, offers unmatched convenience, ensuring fast, hassle-free access to testing services. This extensive reach simplifies the testing process for individuals and employers alike, providing an efficient and easy solution for all drug testing needs.
The process for hair follicle drug testing in Lakeside, OR, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step is designed to be user-friendly and privacy-focused, addressing any concerns about confidentiality while ensuring ease of use for all involved.
In Lakeside, OR, our hair follicle drug testing services are competitively priced, offering excellent value for businesses of any size. With quick turnaround times for results, we provide both affordability and reliability, ensuring peace of mind through cost-effective and timely testing solutions.
In Lakeside, OR, the precision and reliability of hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. These tests provide quick and dependable results, crucial for individuals and employers needing prompt detection of substance use. The method's high accuracy in identifying drug use makes it an indispensable tool for decision-makers.
For employers in Lakeside, OR, hair follicle testing is a crucial strategy for maintaining drug-free workplace policies. It ensures robust compliance, minimizes legal risks, and enhances workplace safety. By choosing this testing method, employers gain peace of mind and safeguard their company's interests effectively.
