Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lasting record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal substances used within an approximate 90-day period. Hair sampling is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section from roughly 200 hairs (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, ideal for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary additions, and/or complex panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is preferred. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is recommended for measuring the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair categories (face, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
Drug test processing in labs comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process where a sample is initially entered into a lab's system. This process includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and transport, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial swift evaluation for drug abuse. While cost-effective and apt for ruling out drug use, any positive result here must be validated for legal admissibility. Samples indicating possible positivity in Screening require further verification.
When a sample shows potential positivity at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair, a process more intricate than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair screening's complexity.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, presumptive positive samples are appropriately cleansed. The laboratory processing journey, from Accessioning to Confirmation, conforms to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Annapolis, WA
Hair testing provides greater detection accuracy compared to urine tests, offering superior reliability in identifying substance use.
Benefits of Hair Testing
Extended Detection Window in Annapolis, WA
Hair follicle testing allows for detection of drug usage over an extensive period, up to 90 days, giving a thorough view of an individual’s substance history.
Advantages
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Annapolis, WA
Using hair follicle tests minimizes the chances of sample tampering, guaranteeing dependable and indisputable results.
Key Features
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Annapolis, WA
Our extensive network of testing centers offers seamless access to drug testing services, ensuring comfort and ease for our clients.
Service Highlights
Simple, Confidential Process in Annapolis, WA
The procedure for ordering, performing, and obtaining hair test results is straightforward and discreet, addressing concerns of privacy and simplicity for users.
Process Features
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Annapolis, WA
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing delivers outstanding value and assurance for businesses of varying sizes.
Cost Benefits
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Annapolis, WA
The hair follicle drug testing method is recognized for its swift and precise results. These tests offer high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes.
Why Choose Hair Testing?
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Annapolis, WA
Hair follicle drug tests ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal exposure and improving workplace security.
Employer Benefits