Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a significant historical record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. This method is straightforward for collection, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in width to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10-panel thresholds, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise specimen weighing. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. Reference to head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step encompasses verifying appropriate sealing and shipping of the sample, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data required that is absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening constitutes an initial, expedited evaluation for potential drug abuse. Though screening serves as a cost-effective strategy to rule out drug use in most samples, any positive screening outcome necessitates a subsequent confirmation to be deemed court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positive results from screening must undergo additional validation.
Should a sample emerge as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a particularly challenging methodology to execute.
The confirmation of any positive screening findings is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the frequent reference as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Northeast Umatilla, OR
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests, providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. Its extended detection timeline, up to 90 days, offers employers a vast view of an individual’s drug use history. Contrarily, urine tests, while accurate over short periods, can't match the comprehensive results hair tests provide.
Extended Detection Window in Northeast Umatilla, OR
With a detection period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing gives employers insight into the long-term substance history of employees or applicants. This extensive timeframe ensures a thorough substance use profile, enabling better personnel decisions and aligning with workplace safety protocols.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Northeast Umatilla, OR
Hair follicle testing offers a significantly tamper-resistant option. It minimizes the risk of sample tampering or cheating due to its unique collection and testing process. This credibility ensures reliable, indisputable results, putting employer's concerns at ease and strengthening the validity of drug testing practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Northeast Umatilla, OR
Offering an extensive network of testing centers, we provide nationwide accessibility and convenience. For local needs in Northeast Umatilla, our centers ensure a smooth, hassle-free testing process, without the inconvenience of long travels, enhancing user convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Northeast Umatilla, OR
The process of ordering and undergoing a hair follicle test is simple and maintains privacy. Our straightforward and confidential procedure addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease from test ordering to results receipt, making the process stress-free for Northeast Umatilla residents.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Northeast Umatilla, OR
Our competitive pricing strategy, paired with rapid turnaround times, offers excellent value and reassures companies of all sizes. This affordability, combined with fast results, makes hair testing a practical choice for cost-conscious employers without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Northeast Umatilla, OR
Hair follicle drug tests are lauded for their precision and speed in detecting substance use. Their high accuracy and quick processing times enable individuals and organizations to make informed decisions efficiently. This method's effective sensitivity ensures detection of drug use, maintaining integrity and substance history reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Northeast Umatilla, OR
Employing hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It shields employers from legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, providing peace of mind while cultivating a substance-free environment, critical for productivity and morale.
