Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The application of hair testing is now recognized as an effective measure for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a comprehensive historical record of substance use. When samples are clipped near the scalp, they can reveal alcohol and drug usage over a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A typical collection involves obtaining a 1.5-inch section, approximately 200 strands in total, equivalent in thickness to a #2 pencil, from close to the scalp, providing roughly 100mg of hair for optimal testing. For EtG, add-ons, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample size is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically references scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory workflow encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially incorporated into the laboratory system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random laboratory accessioning number (LAN), and finalizes any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation phase for potential drug presence. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen result must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Samples indicating a presumptive positive result during Screening proceed to Extraction, where additional hair from the original sample is analyzed. Unlike other methods such as urine or oral fluid, hair testing involves extracting substances at significantly lower concentrations, presenting a challenging but thorough analysis method.
Confirmation for all positive screenings employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, presumptively positive samples are cleansed as appropriate. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", this testing method analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle itself located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Beverly, WA
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides superior detection accuracy and longevity. While urine tests are limited to detecting recent drug use, hair tests cover a broader period, offering insights into long-term substance habits. This makes hair testing not only thorough but more dependable for employers seeking comprehensive employee evaluations.
Extended Detection Window in Beverly, WA
Employers and agencies benefit from the extended detection window of up to 90 days offered by hair follicle testing. This advantage allows for a more thorough review of an individual's history with substances, revealing patterns and habits that may not be apparent with short-term tests such as those using urine, providing a clearer portrayal of substance use over time.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Beverly, WA
The robust nature of hair follicle drug testing minimizes the potential for tampering with samples, offering results that stand up to scrutiny. In Beverly, WA, organizations seeking reliable drug screening can rely on hair tests to reduce concerns about sample manipulation, thereby ensuring consistent and authentic outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Beverly, WA
The presence of nationwide testing centers, including those in Beverly, WA, facilitates hassle-free access to testing services. Offering convenience and time efficiency, our facilities ensure rapid appointment times and seamless processes, catering to the testing needs of individuals and corporations alike without undue delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Beverly, WA
Our hair follicle testing ensures a streamlined, confidential process for all involved. From ordering to testing and obtaining results, discretion and ease are prioritized to alleviate privacy concerns, making the entire experience straightforward for individuals and businesses in Beverly, WA.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Beverly, WA
Competitive pricing structures paired with rapid result delivery set us apart, providing exceptional value to companies regardless of size. By ensuring both economic advantage and swift processing, businesses in Beverly, WA, are offered peace of mind knowing that they receive great service at an accessible cost.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Beverly, WA
Hair follicle drug testing offers exceptional precision and swiftness, making it ideal for timely results. By detecting drug use with high accuracy, it provides clarity for employers and testing candidates alike. In Beverly, WA, this method ensures not just speed but also reliability, eliminating doubts about the usage of substances within the detected timeframe.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Beverly, WA
Hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining drug-free work environments, vital to legal compliance and minimizing liabilities. By choosing this method, businesses can bolster workplace safety, securing peace of mind that their drug policies are effectively upheld, which is crucial for fulfilling regulatory and safety standards.
