Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a critical method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands, hair offers a prolonged record of substance use. Hair collected near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol use over approximately three months. The collection process is easy, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands, about the thickness of a #2 pencil, near the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG enhancements or those surpassing 10 panels, a sample weight of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advisable. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The main steps in a laboratory drug test process are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial sample handling in the lab's system by confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary review for substances. Although it's cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for court validity. Presumptively positive samples must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in Screening, more hair is taken and readied for Extraction. This process isolates drugs at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing uniquely challenging.
Confirmation follows a positive Screening result using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Tests among Oak Hills, OR stakeholders. Hair testing offers an unparalleled detection window, capturing drug usage patterns with notable accuracy, unlike traditional urine tests.
In terms of benefits, hair testing leads with its ability to reveal substance usage over an extended period, offering a more comprehensive view over the standard urine tests.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Oak Hills serves as a critical tool for employers needing a composite view of a person's drug history over up to 90 days.
This prolonged detection window allows for a detailed perspective on drug habits, aiding employers in comprehensively evaluating applicants or employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing is a standout feature of hair follicle tests in Oak Hills, OR. The robust nature of these tests makes them resilient to alteration, ensuring the authenticity of the results.
By significantly minimizing sample adulteration risks, these tests provide results that are both reliable and robust, curbing any tampering attempts.
Convenient Testing Locations span Oak Hills, OR, adding to the accessibility of drug testing services. Our nationwide centers ensure easy and swift access to testing wherever needed.
The broad availability of local testing facilities simplifies the procedure, minimizing travel concerns while offering hassle-free service.
Simple, Confidential Process is integral to our testing in Oak Hills, OR. The streamlined approach ensures ease from ordering to acquiring results while maintaining privacy.
This straightforward process reassures users as they navigate through, securing confidentiality alongside operational convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Quick Turnaround are pivotal in Oak Hills, OR. Our competitive pricing, coupled with fast result delivery, presents outstanding value for businesses of all scales.
Equitable costs and swift processing reinforce trust and financial peace for companies, ensuring affordable access to vital drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are paramount in Oak Hills, OR. The precision and speed of hair tests for substance detection make them stand out. Their ability to accurately identify drug use ensures confidence in the results.
Hair follicle tests in Oak Hills provide not only reliable outcomes but also swift evaluations, eliminating the wait and enhancing decisiveness in drug testing processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Oak Hills employers is achievable through hair follicle testing. This strategy not only upholds drug-free policies but also curtails legal risks and enhances overall safety.
Employers find peace in the compliance that hair follicle testing offers, promoting a secure and substance-free workplace environment.
