Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Using hair for detection of drug and alcohol use is now recognized as an effective tool. Hair captures biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand, offering a long-term history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, making it the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advised to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug tests includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage, where a sample is introduced into the laboratory’s system, ensuring it was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid test for substance abuse. It's a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples; however, a positive screen demands confirmation for courtroom acceptance. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further verification.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging technique.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the hair follicle located beneath the scalp.
In North Umpqua, OR, hair follicle drug testing is emerging as a preferred method over urine tests. These tests provide superior accuracy and reliability, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can reveal drug use over extended periods.
Essentially, hair testing transcends traditional methods, highlighting a significant improvement in overall drug detection capabilities and offering a robust alternative for employers committed to maintaining drug-free workplaces.
In North Umpqua, OR, the extended detection window of hair follicle tests makes them a strategic choice for employers and institutions. Capable of tracking drug use for up to 90 days, these tests provide a detailed overview of substance consumption patterns.
Employers gain invaluable insights, allowing them to gauge an applicant's or employee's long-term drug behavior. This comprehensive view aids in making informed decisions, ensuring a reliable workforce and a safe working environment.
Located in North Umpqua, OR, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing sets a high standard in drug detection. By significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration, these tests deliver unquestionable results, crucial for maintaining integrity in substance testing processes.
This method supports a transparent drug testing process by offering a secure way to gauge substance use, making it a preferred choice among employers dedicated to authenticity and compliance.
Offering convenience in North Umpqua, OR, our widespread testing centers facilitate easy and quick access to drug testing services. With nationwide coverage, Accredited Drug Testing ensures a hassle-free experience for anyone needing testing services.
This extensive network of locations eliminates logistical concerns, ensuring that clients receive efficient and seamless services, particularly valuable for organizations requiring regular and reliable testing.
In North Umpqua, OR, the process of hair follicle testing is marked by simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to testing to receiving results, every step is designed to prioritize user privacy and ease of use.
This straightforward approach addresses common concerns, making the entire experience stress-free. By emphasizing discreetness and efficiency, hair testing ensures client trust while maintaining high standards of confidentiality.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in North Umpqua, OR provides excellent value to organizations of all sizes. Accredited Drug Testing prides itself on competitive cost structures that ensure accessibility to high-quality testing services.
With a focus on delivering prompt and reliable results, companies gain the assurance of maintaining compliance without excessive costs, granting an optimal balance of value and dependability.
Hair follicle testing stands out in North Umpqua, OR for its quick and reliable outcomes. Speed and precision are trademarks of this method, delivering results that employers and institutions can trust. Offering top-tier accuracy in revealing substance use, these tests serve as a fundamental tool in ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Overall, hair tests are unparalleled in their capability to swiftly identify drug use patterns. The efficient turnaround coupled with high efficiency in drug detection makes them an invaluable resource for organizations prioritizing clean working environments.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in North Umpqua, OR grants employers compliance and peace of mind. By adopting this method, businesses ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal risks and enhancing overall safety.
In essence, this testing protocol offers substantial assurances to companies, reinforcing their commitment to a diligent and safe working environment, critical for sustainable organizational growth and reputation management.
