Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mount Hood Village, OR

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and substance use. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch collection of 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for both initial tests and verifications. For testing EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond ten, 150mg of hair is suggested. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary.

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes involves the primary stages of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning begins the sample's entry into the lab's procedures, ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, linking it with a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any data entry not completed by a digital chain of custody.

Screening offers preliminary results for potential drug abuse. It is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most cases, but any positive results from Screening necessitate verification for court purposes. Samples that test positive in Screening require further Confirmation testing.

In the event of a presumptive positive outcome in Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is utilized for Extraction. This stage extracts drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid, underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.

Verification of positive screenings is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests recognize drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited timeframe.
• Hard to manipulate: Manipulating a hair test is notably challenging, ensuring more precise results.
• Comprehensive history: Offers insights into long-term drug use habits rather than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It requires 5-7 days for drugs to become evident in hair.
• Expense: Hair testing is usually costlier than other drug analysis methods.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mount Hood Village, OR

• Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests.
• They offer a longer detection window, making them more reliable over time.
• Employers benefit from their effectiveness in upholding drug-free policies.
• Urine tests may miss recent drug use, but hair tests provide a broader history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Mount Hood Village, OR

• Hair follicle testing covers drug use history up to 90 days.
• Employers gain a full perspective on substance use behaviors.
• This method reveals long-term patterns missed by shorter-term tests.
• Comprehensive insight enhances decision-making in hiring processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mount Hood Village, OR

• Hair follicle testing significantly reduces sample adulteration risks.
• Ensures reliable and trustworthy results every time.
• Observed collections help prevent fraudulent sample submissions.
• Provides unquestionable validity, bringing peace of mind.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mount Hood Village, OR

• Our extensive network guarantees quick and easy testing access.
• Numerous facilities nationwide make testing hassles a thing of the past.
• Find local testing centers with ease, minimizing travel time.
• Accessibility ensures that testing needs are met swiftly.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Mount Hood Village, OR

• Ordering and testing processes are straightforward and discreet.
• Confidentiality ensures privacy for all participants.
• Receive results in a secure and private manner.
• Alleviates privacy concerns, maintaining user discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mount Hood Village, OR

• Competitive pricing offers excellent value for companies of any size.
• Quick turnaround times mean less waiting for valuable insights.
• Budget-friendly options without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
• Cost-effective solutions help manage testing expenses efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mount Hood Village, OR

• Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision in identifying substance use.
• Results are both speedy and highly accurate, ensuring reliable data.
• This method ensures definitive outcomes, providing confidence in testing results.
• Quick processing means you get the information you need without delay.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mount Hood Village, OR

• Hair testing supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies.
• Reduces legal risks associated with employment and hiring practices.
• Promotes a safer, more productive work environment.
• Ensures employers maintain high compliance standards.

Drug Testing Near Mount Hood Village, OR

Cascade Locks, OR

Parkdale, OR

Boring, OR

Estacada, OR

Corbett, OR

Sandy, OR

Mount Hood, OR

Hood River, OR

Government Camp, OR

Rhododendron, OR

Brightwood, OR