Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its strands. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a laboratory’s system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal defensibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction preparation. During Extraction, drug traces are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging method.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Barstow, WA, provides significant advantages over traditional urine tests. This method is more accurate, capturing a broader picture of substance use, offering superior reliability and detection over a longer timeframe than urine tests.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing provides near-impossible cheating prevention and ensures a stricter adherence in collection processes. Employers gain a dependable assessment tool that aligns with comprehensive drug-use policies in the workplace.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive view of substance use for up to 90 days, a significant advantage in Barstow, WA. This broad timeframe equips employers with detailed insights into past drug use, unlike other methods.
With an extended detection period, hair follicle testing allows employers and professionals to gain a clearer understanding of an individual's substance history, making it a critical tool for ensuring workplace safety and policy compliance.
Hair follicle tests are known for their resistance to tampering, making them a reliable choice in Barstow, WA. The testing process limits possibilities of sample alterations, addressing common concerns seen in other drug testing methods.
In Barstow, minimizing the risk of adulteration is crucial, and hair tests effectively meet this need by ensuring each step, from sample collection to processing, maintains integrity, providing results that stakeholders can trust without question.
Barstow, WA, benefits from the convenience of nationwide hair follicle testing locations. Our extensive network ensures quick, hassle-free testing services, making drug testing accessible and straightforward.
Local testing facilities in Barstow simplify the process, allowing residents and businesses access to quality services without enduring long waits or complex procedures, reinforcing our commitment to reliable drug testing solutions.
In Barstow, WA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed with privacy and ease in mind, addressing concerns about confidentiality and user-friendliness.
The straightforward approach ensures that individuals and organizations can easily engage in the testing process, with discreet and secure handling of personal information and test results.
Our Barstow, WA, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes find value in our efficient service, gaining quality results without financial strain.
Affordable pricing encourages widespread access to reliable testing solutions, ensuring companies enjoy peace of mind with quick, cost-effective drug testing outputs.
In Barstow, WA, hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and speed. This testing method ensures high accuracy, capable of consistently detecting various substances. The reliable nature of hair testing means individuals and organizations receive timely and accurate results, boosting confidence in the testing process.
Hair testing stands out for its rapid turnaround time, meaning results are available swiftly. This is particularly beneficial for employers needing to make timely decisions based on substance use data. The blend of speed and high accuracy makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice in Barstow.
Employers in Barstow, WA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. The method adheres to workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks while enhancing overall safety.
By incorporating hair testing into their protocols, employers ensure comprehensive coverage of substance use, fostering a safer environment and aligning with compliance requirements critical for organizational success.
