Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The analysis of hair samples has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. Samples gathered near the scalp can reveal alcohol and drug consumption for up to a three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and can be easily packaged for transport.
A typical sample consists of a 1.5-inch section containing about 200 hair strands, similar in size to a #2 pencil, and yields 100mg of hair, providing an ideal amount for both testing and confirmation. In instances involving EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler's scale for accuracy. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other varieties such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of drug testing results follows four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data processing not covered by an electronic custody framework.
Screening serves as an initial drug presence evaluation. While it is an economical method to exclude drug use in many samples, a confirmed positive screen is needed for legal proceedings. Any sample flagged as potentially positive during Screening must undergo follow-up confirmation.
During the Extraction phase, further hair is taken from the sample if an initial positive result is suspected, prepping it for extraction. This stage isolates drugs from hair at concentrations lower than in methods like urine or oral fluid, making drug testing via hair a challenge.
Positive results identified during screening undergo further Confirmation through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, samples labeled as potentially positive are cleaned as required. The complete laboratory protocol from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests," these assessments examine the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests in Rickreall, OR. One of its strengths is detection accuracy that surpasses conventional methods, offering a reliable analysis not easily tampered with. Unlike urine testing, which may only capture recent use, hair testing reviews substance history over months. This expanded view enables proactive decisions, providing confidence to employers and authorities alike.
Benefits include: comprehensive insights into usage patterns and ensuring zero-tolerance policies are met with confidence.
One standout feature of hair follicle testing in Rickreall, OR is its extended detection window.
While traditional methods may only detect drug use over a short timeframe, hair testing covers up to 90 days. This lengthy span offers an all-encompassing view of an individual's substance history, crucial for employers seeking in-depth insights. By opting for this method, employers gain a more detailed understanding, enforcing policies more effectively and ensuring workplace integrity.
Hair follicle testing in Rickreall, OR presents a tamper-resistant drug testing method, significantly reducing risks tied to sample adulteration. Because the sample is collected in a manner that is hard to manipulate, this method provides outcomes that are both reliable and difficult to question.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that the results are free from external influence, maintaining integrity and setting standards that align with strict no-drug policies.
In Rickreall, OR, and beyond, our network of nationwide testing centers offers unparalleled convenience. Local facilities ensure quick, smooth access to services, minimizing disruptions for individuals and businesses.
For residents of Rickreall, OR, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the entire procedure protects privacy.
Accredited's testing solutions in Rickreall, OR are known for affordable pricing and quick turnaround times.
Competitive structures ensure clients' budgets are respected without sacrificing quality. Rapid results bolster decision-making efficiency, offering invaluable peace of mind.
The accuracy and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests in Rickreall, OR make them a preferred choice. Known for providing fast and reliable results, these tests offer precise detection of substance use.
Compared to other methods, the speed at which results are delivered empowers decision-makers to act swiftly, whether for employment or legal matters. The high accuracy rate ensures that outcomes are dependable and respected in various contexts.
Implementing hair follicle testing in workplaces across Rickreall, OR promotes compliance and peace of mind for employers. This testing method aligns with drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety.