Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It reveals a comprehensive history of substance intake, as hair fibers capture biomarkers. A sample cut near the scalp can reflect up to a 3-month window for detection of various substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hairs (resembling a #2 pencil thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, extra tests, or assessments beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair is suggested. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of another type of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis for drug tests consists of four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial handling phase of a sample within a lab's framework. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment are intact, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data typically captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
During Screening, a preliminary assessment for drug presence is conducted. Although a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a confirmed result is necessary for legitimacy in judicial contexts. Samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening demand further validation.
If deemed potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated at notably lower concentrations compared to other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods, positive screening results undergo Confirmation. All potentially positive samples undergo necessary washing steps prior to confirmation. The entire procedural sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle tests hold a distinct advantage over traditional urine tests in Altoona, WA. When comparing both, hair testing showcases superior detection capabilities and reliability due to its longer detection timeframe.
Employers in Altoona favor hair testing for its ability to identify past substance use with greater accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle analysis offers a more comprehensive view, leading to enhanced trust in results.
Hair follicle drug tests in Altoona, WA excel with their extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This feature is crucial for employers seeking a complete history of an applicant's or employee's substance use.
With a longer detection period, hair testing provides a thorough overview, aiding in the evaluation of potential employees. Employers benefit from insights that typical urine tests cannot offer.
Hair testing in Altoona, WA stands out as a tamper-resistant method, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This ensures that the results are reliable and beyond dispute, an advantage over more vulnerable urine tests.
Employers trust hair follicle tests for their integrity and resistance to manipulation, providing unequivocal results that reinforce confidence in the testing process.
With widespread testing centers, including in Altoona, WA, Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to services. Our nationwide network ensures hassle-free and swift testing availability.
Employers and individuals benefit from accessible testing locations, simplifying the process of securing necessary drug tests and ensuring timely service.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures a straightforward and confidential process in Altoona, WA. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results is seamless and designed to protect privacy.
Our approach prioritizes ease of use, allowing clients to navigate the testing process confidently and securely, without concern for confidentiality breaches.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Altoona, WA delivers excellent value to businesses of all sizes. Our services provide peace of mind at a cost-effective rate.
Companies benefit from our cost-efficient testing options and swift results, ensuring budget-friendly compliance with workplace drug policies.
The swift and accurate results of hair follicle tests in Altoona, WA are unmatched. This method offers high precision in identifying drug use, making it the preferred choice for many. Employers can rely on the speed of these tests to make informed decisions quickly.
Hair tests are celebrated for their accuracy, providing peace of mind with consistent results. This testing method allows for the dependable detection of substance use, ensuring reliability in workplace screenings.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Altoona, WA helps employers achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests reduce legal risks and promote a safe working environment.
Hair testing enhances workplace safety by ensuring policy adherence. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they're taking proactive steps against workplace drug abuse.
