Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bainbridge Island, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has increasingly become recognized as a highly effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers, offering a comprehensive history of substance use by embedding them within the growing strands. When collected from near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use over an approximate 90-day period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A specimen consisting of a 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hairs (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and validation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't present, an equivalent amount from body hair may be used. Head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The essential steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This process verifies the sample's sealing and shipping integrity, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers an initial rapid examination for the presence of drugs. While it is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.

When a sample is flagged as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptively positive specimen is cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accredited under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use over as long as 90 days, whereas urine tests have a notably shorter detection timeframe.
• Challenging to manipulate: Cheating on a hair drug test is extremely difficult, which enhances the reliability of the results.
• Historical usage insight: Offers a timeline of drug use, rather than just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Not suitable for detecting recent usage: Drugs typically become detectable in hair only after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is usually costlier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is performed on the hair strand and not on the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

• Hair tests offer superior accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests.
• The non-intrusive collection method is less invasive and more comfortable.
• Longer detection periods provide a more comprehensive drug use history.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window

• Hair follicle tests reveal drug use history for up to 90 days, rising above traditional methods.
• Employers can assess long-term patterns, aiding in better hiring decisions.
• Individuals and organizations gain a clearer picture of substance usage over time.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

• Hair tests significantly reduce the chance of sample tampering compared to other methods.
• The collection process is observed, ensuring authenticity and integrity.
• These tests provide results that are difficult to adulterate, building trust in the findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations

• Our testing centers span across the nation, including Bainbridge Island, WA.
• Accessing our testing services is straightforward and hassle-free.
• Enjoy quick and efficient testing experiences at local facilities.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process

• Our process is discreet, ensuring your privacy throughout.
• From ordering to receiving results, each step is confidential and easy to manage.
• Addressing privacy concerns, our procedures guarantee comfort and confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround

• We offer competitive pricing structures, making testing accessible for all sizes of businesses.
• Our fast turnaround times ensure minimal waiting for results.
• Get excellent value and peace of mind knowing you’re getting the best service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

• Hair follicle testing ensures rapid, precise detection of substance use.
• Advanced technology allows for high accuracy in identifying various drugs, providing peace of mind.
• Results are delivered swiftly, ensuring timely decision-making for employers and individuals alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

• Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies.
• Reduces legal risk, fostering a safer and more productive work environment.
• Employers can confidently trust in the test’s accuracy and credibility.

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