Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers in the hair's fibers as it grows. If taken near the scalp, hair samples could yield up to roughly a three-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will supply 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, extra tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, equivalent body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair pertains to all other forms (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing information not encompassed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick test for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screening outcome requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any sample testing presumptively positive in Screening demands a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, each step of the laboratory process is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Waldport, OR
Choosing hair follicle over traditional urine tests offers a clear advantage in detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair testing effectively identifies drug usage with superior accuracy and reliability, ensuring that even long-term substance patterns are captured. Its extended detection period outshines shorter windows of urine tests, delivering greater insight into an individual's history.
Extended Detection Window in Waldport, OR
With a detection span reaching up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers an extended window compared to other methods. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use, aiding them in making informed hiring decisions. Such tests provide a full picture of past drug use rather than just recent activity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Waldport, OR
Hair follicle testing minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, offering results that can be trusted. Its methodical collection process makes it exceedingly hard for individuals to alter the samples, thus providing organizations with undeniably reliable test outcomes, vital for ensuring the integrity of any testing program.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Waldport, OR
Offering wide-ranging testing center access, our presence is nationwide and local, providing hassle-free service. Whether in Waldport or beyond, our extensive network facilitates convenient scheduling and minimal wait times, ensuring our clients' testing needs are swiftly met with ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Waldport, OR
Engaging in our hair follicle testing is simplified to ensure user-friendliness and privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the process is streamlined, maintaining confidentiality and addressing every privacy concern, thereby facilitating an experience that is both efficient and discreet for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Waldport, OR
Offering competitive pricing structures coupled with quick result times, our hair testing services deliver not only value but also peace of mind. Ideal for businesses of every size, our solutions are geared towards affordability while ensuring compliance with rigorous standards and company policies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Waldport, OR
Hair follicle drug testing offers precision and speed unmatched by other testing methods. Results from hair tests are conducted with high accuracy, ensuring any substance use is effectively identified. This provides organizations confidence in the reliability of their screening processes, securing a workplace environment free of substances.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Waldport, OR
By adopting hair follicle testing, employers ensure adherence to drug-free policies, thereby reducing potential legal liabilities. This not only signifies compliance with regulations but also bolsters workplace safety and productivity, offering peace of mind through prevention of substance misuse among employees.