Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the hair strand fibers as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can deliver close to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is uncomplicated, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample comprising about 200 strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or for testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair pertains to all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four steps in the laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This process ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid verification for drug abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be considered valid in a legal setting. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening need subsequent verification.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, more hair is sourced from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at far lower concentrations than other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing presents a notable challenge.
Confirmation for any positive Screened outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positives are purified before confirmation as needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, each lab phase undergoes scrutiny under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in River Road, OR
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers opting for hair analysis benefit from a longer detection window and reduced risk of specimen tampering, making it a top choice for ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in River Road, OR
Hair follicle tests are capable of detecting drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. This extended detection period provides a detailed account of past drug use, which helps in making informed hiring decisions.
Secure Testing with Hair Follicle Analysis in River Road, OR
Hair follicle drug tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, providing reliable and accurate results. This tamper-resistant quality ensures that the results are trustworthy, making them an ideal choice for professionals requiring assured outcomes.
Convenient Testing Locations in River Road, OR
With numerous testing centers available both nationwide and locally, accessing hair follicle drug testing services in River Road, OR, is convenient and stress-free. These widespread locations ensure quick and easy access to reliable testing services when needed.
Simple and Confidential Process in River Road, OR
The hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and ensures confidentiality from ordering to receiving results. This streamlined method addresses privacy concerns and ensures that the testing experience is user-friendly and secure for all involved.
Reasonable Pricing and Quick Results in River Road, OR
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing provides outstanding value for businesses. Regardless of size, companies can rely on its affordability and swiftness, ensuring timely screening processes while maintaining financial prudence.
Rapid and Dependable Outcomes in River Road, OR
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed in identifying substance usage. Known for their superior accuracy, these tests deliver fast results, providing peace of mind for those concerned with drug use detection. Their high accuracy rate ensures rapid, reliable outcomes.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in River Road, OR
Incorporating hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal issues and enhancing overall workplace safety. This method provides employers with the assurance needed to foster a safe working environment.
