Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. A long-term record of alcohol and other drug consumption is provided by hair, which captures biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is simple to obtain, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches of approximately 200 strands (roughly comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair alone. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any additional documentation not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive findings need subsequent confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening require an additional confirmation step.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is among the most challenging techniques to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation, as required. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Umatilla, OR
Hair testing offers higher detection accuracy and longer periods of drug use visibility, outmatching traditional urine tests. While urine tests focus on recent use, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview of long-term substance use, valuable for informed decision-making.
Choosing hair follicle tests allows employers to benefit from superior reliability and detection scopes, making them a strategic choice in Umatilla, OR's efforts towards drug-free work environments.
Extended Detection Window in Umatilla, OR
Hair follicle testing is equipped to detect drug use over longer durations—up to 90 days—delivering a thorough insight into an individual's substance history. This extended detection window is vital for employers to evaluate an applicant's or employee's long-term behavior.
Ensuring a comprehensive picture of substance use aids in maintaining workplace integrity in Umatilla, OR, providing employers with crucial data to support their employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Umatilla, OR
The hair follicle method significantly mitigates tampering risks, ensuring reliability in test results. Its secure collection process creates confidence in the integrity of the outcomes, invaluable for rigorous drug policies.
Employers in Umatilla, OR, benefit from the credibility and security these tests provide, making them essential in their quest to enforce transparent, drug-free workplace environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Umatilla, OR
Benefit from our extensive network of testing centers, offering convenience and accessibility nationwide and locally in Umatilla, OR. This ensures a straightforward process for acquiring necessary tests without any hassle.
The vast reach of our centers guarantees that individuals receive quick and easy access to drug testing services, making it a seamless experience regardless of location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Umatilla, OR
Our procedure for ordering, taking, and receiving test results is streamlined and confidential, aligning with privacy concerns. This ensures individuals and employers experience a hassle-free and secure process from start to finish.
Transparent instructions guide users in Umatilla, OR, through an assured and private testing experience, safeguarding sensitive information and providing ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Umatilla, OR
Our competitive pricing and speedy turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible to companies of varying sizes. This approach represents significant value for employers seeking efficient and cost-effective testing solutions.
Offering reasonable prices along with quick results enhances the attractiveness of our services, supporting employers in Umatilla, OR, with budget-friendly and timely drug testing options.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Umatilla, OR
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed in detecting substance use. This method offers high accuracy, ensuring that substance abuse is reliably identified without delay, providing peace of mind for employers needing dependable results.
Employers in Umatilla, OR, can trust hair follicle tests for prompt and precise outcomes, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing accurate drug screening processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Umatilla, OR
Employers choosing hair follicle testing can effectively comply with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. The assured results from these tests provide a reliable foundation for maintaining compliance.
This method not only reduces risks but also boosts employer confidence in their drug testing program, ensuring peace of mind in Umatilla, OR, workplace settings.
