Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bellingham, WA

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair exams has gained acknowledgment as a significant method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as an extensive registry of alcohol and narcotics due to its ability to capture markers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, this method offers a detection period of nearly 90 days for alcohol and substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) taken from the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for analysis and confirmation. For assessments like EtG, additional tests, and those beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If head hair is not available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers strictly to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, armpit, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory evaluation of a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the preliminary handling of a sample within the lab’s framework. This step ensures the sample was adequately sealed and sent, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any extra data input not covered by an electronic custody system.

Screening provides a rapid initial assessment for drug presence. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most incidents, a positive screen demands confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that are preliminarily positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.

If a test indicates a preliminary positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this stage, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most nuanced method to execute.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques confirm any positive screening outcomes. Samples indicating preliminary positives are cleansed prior to confirmation, if needed. The entire sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests can detect substances for up to three months, unlike urine tests, which have a more limited detection span.
• Difficulty in evasion: Evading a hair drug test is notably challenging, enhancing result reliability.
• Offers historical data: Hair tests can illustrate prolonged patterns of substance use, not just recent incidents.

Limitations:

• Lacks recent use detection: Substances become detectable in hair only after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Compared to other methods, hair drug tests typically incur higher costs.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual growth rates can influence metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Though commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When considering drug testing options in Bellingham, WA, hair follicle testing has a distinct edge over traditional urine tests. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy, capturing a more comprehensive drug history over time.

The reliability of hair testing surpasses that of urine tests due to its extended detection window and minimal risk of tampering. This modern method is especially beneficial for employers enforcing stringent no-drug policies.

Extended Detection Window

In Bellingham, WA, the capability of hair follicle testing to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days, provides significant insights. This feature offers employers a detailed account of an individual's substance history.

Employers benefit from the prolonged detection window of hair testing as it allows for a broad view of an applicant's or employee's past substance use, aiding better hiring decisions and workplace safety.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Bellingham, WA, is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. This method considerably reduces the likelihood of sample contamination or alteration, ensuring results are trustworthy and incontestable.

The integrity of hair testing stems from its ability to limit adulteration, providing stakeholders with peace of mind through unbiased and reliable results, which is unmatched by other testing methods.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With testing locations spread across Bellingham, WA, and nationwide, accessing our drug testing services is both quick and efficient. Our widespread centers ensure that testing is available conveniently, without hassle.

Our commitment to offering a seamless testing experience is reflected in our easily accessible local and national centers, providing users with hassle-free and timely service for all their testing requirements.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Bellingham, WA, our hair follicle testing process prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. The procedure for ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is streamlined, addressing privacy concerns effectively.

Our user-friendly process ensures that client confidentiality is maintained at all stages, offering peace of mind and ease of use, with results delivered quickly and securely.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Bellingham, WA, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround time for hair follicle testing provide incredible value, accommodating companies of all sizes.

We pride ourselves on offering cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed, ensuring that businesses receive efficient service at an affordable rate, fostering their trust and satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Bellingham, WA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and precision in providing results. This method offers high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes with quick processing times.

With advanced technology, hair testing delivers unmatched accuracy in detailed substance analysis. This high-precision testing method is trusted for its reliable results and swift turnaround, making it a preferred choice in drug assessment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Bellingham, WA, hair follicle drug testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly minimizing legal risks associated with substance use issues.

Implementing hair testing contributes to a secure, drug-free work environment. It enhances safety standards and provides employers with invaluable confidence in their compliance efforts, fostering a culture of responsibility and peace of mind.

Drug Testing Near Bellingham, WA

Deming, WA

Lynden, WA

Everson, WA

Custer, WA

Strandell, WA

Lummi Island, WA

Samish, WA

Ferndale, WA

Lummi Reservation, WA

Sudden Valley, WA

Laurel, WA

Marietta-Alderwood, WA