Hair Follicle Drug Testing - The Dalles, OR

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month history of alcohol and drug use. Hair is easy to collect, less prone to tampering, and straightforward to transport.

A sample close to 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 strands (roughly the circumference of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp equates to 100mg, the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10 tests, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar volume of body hair might be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair denotes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial inclusion of a sample into a lab’s systems. This covers checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening refers to a preliminary fast evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is efficient for dismissing drug use in most cases, a positive initial test must be validated to hold up in legal settings. Samples that show a potential positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.

For samples showing potential positives in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), illustrating why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.

Positive Screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are possibly positive undergo washing before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection span: Hair tests can uncover drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection span.
• Hard to falsify: Tampering with a hair drug test is notably difficult, ensuring more reliable outcomes.
• Reveals historical use: It showcases a timeline of substance use over an extended period, rather than just recent indulgence.

Limitations:

• Lacks recent usage detection: It generally requires 5-7 days for drugs to become discernible in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur more costs compared to other testing approaches.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence metabolite concentration levels in hair.

Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In The Dalles, OR, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering better detection accuracy. The advanced technique highlights the limitations of older methods, showcasing its effectiveness in identifying substance use.

Employers benefit from hair testing’s reliability, surpassing urine tests' capabilities. This method ensures comprehensive detection, presenting a superior alternative with its precision and extended detection range.

Extended Detection Window

The Dalles, OR, sees hair follicle testing providing an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This comprehensive period offers employers a thorough view of an individual's substance history, which urine tests cannot match.

Employers seeking a detailed assessment of past substance use find hair follicle testing invaluable. Its extended detection window reveals long-term usage patterns that benefit workplace evaluation processes.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-proof nature of hair follicle tests in The Dalles, OR, significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, guaranteeing indisputable results. This integrity makes the tests exceptionally reliable.

Hair follicle testing's robustness in The Dalles, OR, ensures minimal risk of manipulation, presenting a trusted option for accurate outcome confirmation. The method’s resistance to tampering assures credible results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

In The Dalles, OR, convenient nationwide testing centers ensure seamless access to drug testing services, offering quick and simple solutions. This extensive network allows individuals to conveniently undergo hair follicle testing.

The accessible locations across The Dalles, OR, and nationally offer hassle-free services for hair follicle testing. It’s a streamlined path for those seeking reliable service with minimal inconvenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

The confidential process of hair follicle testing in The Dalles, OR, is easy and straightforward, addressing privacy and ease. Clients can effortlessly navigate from ordering to results, ensuring a smooth experience.

In The Dalles, OR, the simplicity and confidentiality of hair testing enhance the process for users. This clarity in each phase from initiation to conclusion provides security and comfort.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and fast turnaround characterize hair follicle testing services in The Dalles, OR. These attributes provide excellent value, ensuring results are quickly delivered without compromise on quality.

In The Dalles, OR, hair testing's competitive pricing structure benefits companies of all sizes. Combined with swift result times, it offers cost-effective solutions for those seeking efficient drug testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The Dalles, OR, offers swift and reliable hair follicle drug testing, distinguishing itself with high precision and accuracy in substance detection. These tests are notable for their rapid turnaround, swiftly identifying drug use with assured accuracy.

The speed of hair follicle tests ensures results are promptly delivered. This efficiency is coupled with exhaustive precision, making it a reliable option for those requiring accurate drug testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in The Dalles, OR, experience peace of mind through hair follicle testing, complying with drug-free workplace policies and reducing legal risks. This assurance enhances workplace safety by maintaining a strict substance use policy.

Compliance with workplace safety through hair follicle testing fosters confidence among employers. In The Dalles, OR, this method mitigates risks, supporting a secure environment by ensuring adherence to drug-free standards.

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