Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronological record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strands as they grow. Sampling hair close to the scalp can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect hair samples, they are relatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair snippet comprising approximately 200 strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement of the hair sample is recommended. In instances where scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive Screening result must be confirmed for it to be valid in court. Samples that show presumptive positive results in Screening do require additional confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the more challenging methodologies to conduct.
The Confirmation of any positive screenings is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. Throughout the entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, standards are upheld according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rivergrove, OR - Compared to the more traditional urine test, hair follicle testing stands out due to its broad detection range. Rivergrove, OR has seen an increase in adopting this method for its superior accuracy and ability to reliably reflect one's substance use history.
Hair testing outshines urine tests by providing a longer detection period and is almost impossible to cheat. Employers and legal authorities in Rivergrove, OR favor it for this fundamental reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Rivergrove, OR - Hair follicle testing stretches the detection span, revealing drug use up to 90 days back. This method offers employers a thorough insight into a candidate’s substance habits in Rivergrove, OR.
Businesses benefit from the expanded detection window of hair analysis, which illustrates a broader and more detailed picture of an individual’s substance use history in Rivergrove, OR.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rivergrove, OR - Hair follicle testing provides a robust solution to sample tampering. Rivergrove employers trust this method as it curtails any chance of adulteration, resulting in clear and decisive analysis.
The test’s strength lies in its tamper-proof nature, which guarantees the utmost reliability in drug testing by preventing contamination or sample manipulation in Rivergrove, OR.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rivergrove, OR - With a network of nationwide centers, our testing services are readily accessible. Rivergrove, OR benefits from this ease and visibility, ensuring a hassle-free testing experience.
Our widely accessible facilities offer a quick and simple process for hair testing, catering to the needs of residents in Rivergrove, OR with efficiency and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rivergrove, OR - The pathway to obtaining hair test results is streamlined and discreet, assuring user privacy. Rivergrove residents benefit from a clear and secure procedure.
Our transparent process in Rivergrove, OR prioritizes confidentiality, allowing individuals to confidently navigate the testing steps with ease and assurance.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rivergrove, OR - Our competitive pricing caters to all business sizes, offering exceptional value. With swift result times, Rivergrove companies experience savings and peace of mind.
Providing a cost-effective solution in Rivergrove, OR, our hair testing services are not only affordable but also guarantee quick results, delivering efficiency and value.
Fast, Accurate and Reliable Results in Rivergrove, OR - Hair follicle testing ensures high precision and swift results. The accuracy of this method allows for confident detection of substance use, providing a reliable snapshot of an individual's history.
Results from hair drug tests are revered for their dependable accuracy, pinpointing substance use with ease. In Rivergrove, OR, this test method is celebrated for unwavering reliability, offering swift results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rivergrove, OR - With hair follicle testing, companies secure adherence to drug-free policies. This method reduces legal exposure and enhances safety, giving employers peace of mind in Rivergrove, OR.
Utilizing this testing method provides a solid framework for upholding workplace safety and compliance, alleviating risk while promoting a positive environment in Rivergrove, OR.