Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates long-term evidence of alcohol and other substances by securing biomarkers within its growing strand fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and certain drugs. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and it is simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG enhancements and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to verify the specimen’s weight using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of drug tests adheres to four primary procedures: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the sample's initial integration into a laboratory’s system, ensuring the sample’s secure packaging and transport, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional manual data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary rapid review for drug presence. Though a cost-efficient mode to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive Screening requires confirmation as evidence in legal proceedings. Any samples identified as potentially positive during Screening necessitate further validation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluids), defining hair drug screening as the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo cleaning when required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bayview, WA
When comparing hair follicle and urine testing, hair testing offers superior detection capabilities, extending up to 90 days as opposed to urine's shorter window. This unparalleled accuracy makes it a preferred choice for comprehensive substance detection and policy enforcement.
Extended Detection Window in Bayview, WA
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This longevity provides employers a detailed insight into an individual's drug history, making it an invaluable tool in evaluating substance use patterns over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bayview, WA
The robustness of hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering. With hair samples being invulnerable to many common adulteration methods, the reliability and integrity of test results remain intact.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bayview, WA
With a network of testing centers nationwide, including local options in Bayview, WA, accessibility and convenience are guaranteed, enabling clients to easily and swiftly conduct necessary tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bayview, WA
The straightforward and private process involved in hair follicle testing—inclusive of ordering, performing, and receiving results—provides individuals with peace of mind regarding privacy and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bayview, WA
Competitive pricing structures paired with fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing not only affordable but also a value-driven solution for companies of all dimensions, ensuring reliability and budget-friendliness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bayview, WA
Hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and speed, delivering rapid and trustworthy results. Known for detecting a wide range of substances, it offers labs and employers confidence in the high accuracy of findings, setting it apart from other testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bayview, WA
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, thus mitigating legal risks and promoting a safe, compliant working environment for all employees and stakeholders.
