Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged account of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal up to an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is sufficient. When mentioning head hair, we mean solely scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing for drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial process of entering a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any supplementary data entry overlooked by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening presents an initial examination for the presence of abused drugs. Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug usage on the most samples; however, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for court validity. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower levels compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug testing as one of the most intricate methodologies to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if required. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete laboratory process is subjected to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sherwood, OR, the advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests are readily apparent. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Scrutinizing a broader spectrum of drug use over extended periods, hair follicle tests empower employers to make informed decisions.
While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests provide a more prolonged usage history, uncovering patterns that could remain hidden from urine-based detection methods.
The hair follicle testing method in Sherwood, OR, shines due to its extended detection window, capable of identifying substance use up to 90 days prior. Employers valuing comprehensive insights into an individual’s substance habits find this invaluable.
This longer detection curve allows for a wider historical analysis of drug use, significantly aiding decision-makers in maintaining drug-free environments and safeguarding workplace integrity.
The hair follicle tests in Sherwood, OR, present a formidable defense against sample tampering, making them a highly trustworthy drug testing choice. Unlike other methods, hair tests are much less susceptible to adulteration.
Employers and entities concerned with maintaining the integrity of testing procedures can rely on the near-impossible nature of tampering with hair test samples, assuring dependable outcomes.
With convenient testing facilities spread across the nation, including Sherwood, OR, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Our nationwide network ensures that individuals and companies can easily locate a testing center close to them.
Ease and accessibility are at the forefront, promising an efficient testing experience for all parties involved, no matter their location within the country.
The process for hair follicle testing in Sherwood, OR, is both simple and confidential, addressing any potential privacy concerns. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are designed to be effortless.
This approach not only ensures user privacy but also simplifies the logistics of drug testing, offering a seamless experience from start to finish, whether for individuals or businesses.
Offering competitive pricing models, hair follicle testing in Sherwood, OR, guarantees affordability without compromising on speed or accuracy. Companies of all sizes can benefit greatly from our cost-effective options.
In addition, swift turnaround times mean businesses can quickly acquire the necessary information, making it a cost-efficient and rapid drug testing solution that meets diverse company needs.
In Sherwood, OR, hair follicle drug tests have emerged as the pinnacle of speed and accuracy in identifying recent drug use. Their ability to deliver precise results swiftly has won over numerous employers and institutions.
The process boasts not only rapid sample collection but also streamlined laboratory analysis, ensuring that results are both timely and dependable. Individuals opting for this testing method can count on its reliability and quick turnaround.
In Sherwood, OR, hair follicle testing provides employers peace of mind by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method is critical for compliance, significantly mitigating legal risks and enhancing overall safety.
The extended detection period combined with the test's resistance to tampering guarantees companies can confidently maintain a drug-free atmosphere, fostering a secure and legal-sound workplace environment.
