Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a vital resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as an extended record of alcohol and drugs by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (about the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair may be utilized. In reference to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory handling of a specimen in a laboratory system. This encompasses confirming the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data entry not overseen by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial quick evaluation for drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to negate drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive result needs confirmation to be legally admissible. All samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Vernonia, OR, hair follicle tests show a clear advantage over urine tests. These tests provide superior detection accuracy and longer detection windows, crucial for organizations adhering to strict drug-free standards.
Reliable and Accurate: Hair tests detect substance use over a more extended period, ensuring comprehensive insights.
Beyond Traditional Methods: Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers a practically undefeatable option in identifying past substance use, making it a preferred choice for discerning entities.
In Vernonia, OR, hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, it offers a thorough overview of an individual’s substance use history.
Comprehensive Evaluation: This lengthy detection range provides employers a detailed understanding, crucial in decision-making processes regarding employment and compliance.
Long-Term Insights: The extended window proves invaluable for tracking substance use patterns over time, contributing to informed assessments and decisions.
In Vernonia, OR, the resilience of hair follicle testing against tampering is a notable benefit. This method significantly lowers the chance of sample adulteration.
Unquestionable Results: Because the collection process for hair samples is supervised, attempts to tamper with samples are substantially minimized, ensuring result integrity.
Dependable and Secure: The rigorous nature of hair tests protects against deceit, providing reliable outcomes critical for employers and legal standards.
In Vernonia, OR, Accredited Drug Testing provides a complete network of convenient testing sites.
Nationwide Access: With easily accessible centers throughout the nation, the process of organizing, taking, and receiving test results becomes streamlined for users.
Local Convenience: Residents and businesses in Vernonia can benefit from nearby testing facilities, ensuring that testing services are prompt, efficient, and hassle-free.
In Vernonia, OR, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. Clients can conveniently arrange, take, and receive results without privacy concerns.
Simplicity Ensures Ease: The hassle-free procedures simplify testing protocols, making it an attractive choice for those valuing their privacy and time.
Confidentiality Guaranteed: Each stage of the testing process prioritizes user confidentiality, assuaging privacy worries and reassuring individuals of their privacy rights.
In Vernonia, OR, competitive pricing and quick results characterize hair follicle testing services.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Businesses of any size can enjoy top-tier testing services without facing financial strain, ensuring financial feasibility.
Swift Turnaround: The prompt result delivery ensures that companies maintain their operations efficiently while benefiting from cost-effective drug testing protocols.
In Vernonia, OR, the efficiency and precision of hair follicle testing are paramount. These tests boast high accuracy in identifying substance use, offering rapid results essential for both employers and legal entities.
The Speed Factor: Hair testing turnaround times are remarkably quick, ensuring timely insights into an individual’s drug use without prolonged waiting periods.
Precision in Detection: Hair tests meticulously detect a range of substances, providing reliable outcomes. Their high accuracy assures stakeholders of the test's validity in uncovering substance history.
In Vernonia, OR, businesses using hair follicle testing ensure compliance with zero-tolerance drug policies. This method reduces legal risks by providing robust evidence of adherence to drug-free workplace standards.
Enhanced Workplace Safety: By upholding rigorous testing procedures, employers minimize substance abuse risks, leading to a more secure and efficient working environment.
Legal Reassurance: Adopting hair testing alleviates legal and safety concerns, offering peace of mind for organizations committed to safety and compliance.