Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a robust instrument, hair testing effectively identifies drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a comprehensive record of alcohol and other drugs, embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use within an approximate 90-day period. Collecting hair is straightforward, reasonably tamper-resistant, and uncomplicated to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. If head hair is unattainable, an equivalent volume of body hair may suffice. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation encompass the laboratory processing stages for drug test outcomes.
Accessioning encompasses the sample's initial integration into a lab's system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing information not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for drug abuse presence. Although Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screening outcome must be verified to hold up in a legal context. Samples with presumptively positive Screening results require a follow-up confirmation.
For any samples initially deemed positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the provided specimen to prepare for Extraction, where drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods such as urine or oral fluids. This highlights the complexity involved in hair drug tests.
Confirmation of positive screenings occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire process covering Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the scalp-located hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Big Lake, WA
One significant advantage of hair follicle drug testing over traditional urine tests is its superior accuracy and reliability. Hair testing provides a longer detection window, thus offering a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history. In Big Lake, WA, this ensures employers gain a more complete picture, helping foster a safer and drug-free workplace environment.
Extended Detection Window in Big Lake, WA
Hair follicle drug tests are effective because they track drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days—allowing employers in Big Lake, WA, to assess long-term substance use. This extensive detection capability gives a full view of an individual’s history, ensuring informed staffing decisions and reinforcing a commitment to maintaining a drug-free work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Big Lake, WA
The integrity of hair follicle tests makes them a robust choice for accurate and reliable testing. In Big Lake, WA, these tests are nearly impossible to tamper with, as hair samples resist adulteration better than other testing methods. This reliability ensures the authenticity of results, fostering trust and confidence in the accuracy of drug test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Big Lake, WA
With a network of testing centers nationwide and in Big Lake, WA, accredited hair testing services offer unparalleled convenience. These strategically placed centers ensure quick, easy access to testing, minimizing wait times and enhancing the overall user experience, whether for individuals or employers requiring prompt substance testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Big Lake, WA
The hair follicle testing process in Big Lake, WA, is designed for simplicity and confidentiality. From scheduling to receiving results, every step is streamlined to safeguard client privacy while ensuring ease of use. Employers and individuals alike can engage with our services confidently, knowing their information is handled with the utmost care and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Big Lake, WA
We offer competitive pricing and swift processing times for hair follicle testing in Big Lake, WA. This affordability, coupled with quick result delivery, ensures that employers of all sizes benefit from significant value, offering peace of mind and helping maintain efficient workplace operations without breaking the budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Big Lake, WA
Hair follicle testing offers unmatched speed and precision in detecting substance use compared to other methods. With highly reliable results, this form of testing swiftly identifies drug and alcohol presence, ensuring that stakeholders receive timely and accurate information for making informed decisions about workplace safety and compliance in Big Lake, WA.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Big Lake, WA
Employers in Big Lake, WA, find hair follicle testing to be an indispensable tool in enforcing drug-free policies. By using hair tests, businesses can ensure compliance with regulations, reduce potential legal liabilities, and enhance workplace safety. This approach helps to cultivate a culture of responsibility, protecting both workers and the business alike.
