Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has increasingly been regarded as an effective means for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers in the strands of the growing hair. Hair taken near the scalp can offer an estimated 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to collect, challenging to falsify, and simple to ship.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an ideal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be provided, an equal amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary process of entering a sample into a lab’s system. This entails verifying the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any extra data not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples considered presumptively positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used for confirmation of any positive screening result. All samples that test presumptive positive are washed, if necessary, prior to confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to typical urine assessments in Brewster, WA, hair testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair samples can track drug use over a longer duration, offering a more complete insight. In terms of reliability and accuracy of detection, hair testing surpasses its urine counterparts, ensuring trustworthy results.
In Brewster, WA, hair testing provides a remarkable extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers valuable insights into an individual's substance use history, going beyond the limited scope of conventional methods. The prolonged window aids in making informed decisions, showcasing a holistic view of an individual's past behavior.
Unique to Brewster, WA, hair follicle tests bolster sample integrity by being tamper-resistant. Unlike urine tests, which can be manipulated, hair samples offer confidence in results, maintaining reliability and objectivity. This testing method stands out as a formidable safeguard against adulteration, providing peace of mind with authentic results.
With numerous convenient nationwide testing centers, including in Brewster, WA, individuals benefit from easy and hassle-free access to our hair testing services. Our strategic locations allow quick and uncomplicated testing processes, guaranteeing minimal disruption and maximum efficiency for all users.
Brewster, WA clients experience a simple, confidential process for hair testing, from ordering to getting results. Emphasizing privacy and ease, our procedures ensure that individuals maintain their confidentiality while benefiting from a straightforward approach. This drive simplifies drug testing without compromising secure data handling.
In Brewster, WA, our services pride themselves on affordable pricing combined with quick turnaround times. We deliver excellent value, accommodating businesses of varying sizes, all while offering rapid results. Our competitive pricing ensures that organizations uphold their testing needs within budget without sacrificing on expedience or quality.
In Brewster, WA, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed of results. These tests are known for their high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that entities receive reliable outcomes swiftly. The streamlined process ensures that individuals and organizations can depend on fast assessments without compromising on detail and accuracy.
Employers in Brewster, WA find confidence with hair follicle testing as it ensures compliance to drug-free workplace policies. This method significantly reduces legal risks while fortifying safety standards. By integrating hair testing, organizations can uphold a secure environment, prevent potential liabilities, and enjoy peace of mind.
