Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of up to three months. It's easy to collect, resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands, roughly the girth of a #2 pencil, near the scalp yields around 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is ideal. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. When scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes incorporates four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial integration of a specimen into a lab’s system. This encompasses verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry lacking from digital chain of custody systems.
Screening offers a preliminary drug test. Although this is a cost-effective measure to rule out drug usage in most specimens, a positive screening must be confirmed to be legally valid. Presumptively positive screens require a confirmatory test.
If the Screening phase yields a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing a challenging process to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are cleaned as necessary. This entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes validation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Waterloo, OR
In Waterloo, OR, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine testing due to its enhanced detection capabilities. Hair tests provide a broader window for drug detection, ensuring a more accurate history. This makes them ideal for organizations looking for reliable assessments of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Waterloo, OR
The remarkable benefit of hair follicle testing in Waterloo, OR is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it uncovers substance use history up to 90 days prior, offering employers a detailed insight into an individual's past behaviors. It’s an invaluable resource for making informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Waterloo, OR
Hair follicle tests in Waterloo, OR dramatically minimize the possibility of sample tampering. The test's design ensures reliable results, as altering or faking results becomes nearly impossible. This makes hair follicle tests a reliable option for those needing unquestionable drug screening results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Waterloo, OR
Accessing hair follicle testing is a breeze in Waterloo, OR thanks to convenient national and local testing centers. This network provides a hassle-free way to conduct necessary tests, ensuring quick and easy testing procedures across numerous locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Waterloo, OR
Our process in Waterloo, OR is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. With an easy-to-follow test order, sample collection, and result delivery process, individuals can be assured that their privacy is upheld throughout the entire procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Waterloo, OR
Waterloo, OR benefits from cost-effective pricing structures combined with prompt result delivery. Our services ensure businesses receive excellent value, supporting their drug testing needs without compromising quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Waterloo, OR
Hair follicle drug tests in Waterloo, OR offer speedy and precise results. Their accuracy in identifying substance use surpasses traditional methods, owing to their ability to detect a wide range of drugs even months after use. This reliability makes them a preferred choice for those requiring assured results without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Waterloo, OR
By implementing hair follicle testing, Waterloo employers can strengthen compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It aids in minimizing legal threats while enhancing overall workplace safety, giving employers confidence in their hiring and policy enforcement processes.
