Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement is recommended. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary inclusion of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an expedited evaluation for drug abuse indicators. Screening is a budget-friendly approach to eliminating drug use in the majority of samples, yet a positive screen must be confirmed for courtroom acceptance. Samples showing a presumptive positive result during Screening necessitate subsequent validation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are subjected to washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is carried out following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vida, OR.
Hair follicle testing stands out with longer detection periods and robust reliability compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests are common, they fall short in detecting past drug use, covering a limited timeframe. Hair tests, however, provide an extensive and clear timeline, ensuring employers receive a comprehensive understanding of a subject's history.
Extended Detection Window in Vida, OR.
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection capabilities, tracking substance use up to 90 days. This extended window equips employers with a thorough perspective on an applicant's or employee's drug history. Unlike other methods providing only short-term insight, this approach reveals influential long-term patterns, aiding in making better-informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vida, OR.
The resilience of hair follicle tests against tampering offers an unparalleled level of trust. These evaluations significantly reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration, yielding results that are both reliable and irrefutable. Such security ensures that the integrity of the testing process remains intact, providing certainty to those relying on the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vida, OR.
The ease of accessing hair follicle testing is enhanced through a network of nationwide and local locations. This geographical reach guarantees that testing services are within easy reach, simplifying the process for businesses and individuals alike. At these centers, quick and streamlined access translates into a stress-free experience for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Vida, OR.
The approach to ordering, conducting, and retrieving hair follicle test results prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. Steps are streamlined to respect privacy while maintaining a straightforward process. This careful handling of sensitive information assures users of the safety and discretion expected in sensitive testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vida, OR.
Competitive pricing models coupled with swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing accessible for companies of varying sizes. This economical advantage, combined with rapid result delivery, offers exceptional value, ensuring that organizations can uphold practices without financial or temporal strain.
The hair follicle drug test excels in precision and speed, boasting unmatched accuracy when tracing substance use. In Vida, OR, it offers a swift and accurate detection method, easing concerns of uncertain results. The reliability of these tests is unmatched, as they provide clear and definitive insights into an individual’s substance use history, beneficial for employers seeking quick assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vida, OR.
Hair follicle testing aids employers in adhering to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal liabilities and bolstering safety. Given its reliability, organizations can confidently enforce regulations, maintaining a secure work environment. Assurance in compliance reduces risks and fosters a culture of care and responsibility within the workplace.