Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely regarded as a crucial method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can present a detection period of up to approximately three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches or about 200 strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. In cases of EtG, additional tests, or testing panels beyond 10, a specimen mass of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If hair from the scalp is not available, collecting the same amount of body hair is an option. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in the lab procedure for a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially incorporated into the lab's system. This step verifies correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry from non-electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening consists of an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While cost-efficient for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result in Screening must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples indicated as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is acquired from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positive are washed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review 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 named "hair follicle tests", what is analyzed is the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Browns Point, WA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in multiple ways. Primarily, the detection accuracy offered by hair tests is unmatched, providing a comprehensive view of substance use. Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests offer a far longer detection window, reliably indicating substance use over a 90-day span.
While urine tests only detect recent consumption, hair tests provide a retrospective analysis, crucial for employers with strict drug policies. The reliability and precision of hair follicle tests ensure that instances of drug use are captured, making them an ideal choice for environments where accuracy is imperative for decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Browns Point, WA offers an extended detection window, crucial for employers seeking in-depth insights into substance use. Unlike other methods, hair can reveal drug histories up to 90 days prior, offering a thorough view of an individual's patterns. This wide detection timeline aids in understanding long-term behavior rather than just recent consumption.
Employers value the extensive detection period as it provides a comprehensive assessment of substance habits that could affect workplace performance. Such insights are crucial during recruitment as well as for maintaining a safe work environment. Hair testing's long detection capability is an advantage that urine tests lack, elevating its effectiveness.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Browns Point, WA offers significant advantages, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This reliability means that the results can be trusted unequivocally, ensuring the integrity of drug testing. Hair tests inherently minimize the chance of substitution or manipulation, common issues with other testing methods.
For employers and legal entities, this reliability is paramount, as they can depend on the results to make well-informed decisions. The observed collection process ensures that the samples are genuine, and the nature of hair testing means results are immune to most tampering methods. This robustness adds a layer of security to the testing process.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient locations for hair follicle testing nationwide, including Browns Point, WA. This network ensures that individuals and employers can access the necessary testing services without hassle. Our expansive reach guarantees that no matter where you are, professional testing services are within reach.
Having local testing centers simplifies the logistics for individuals needing to undergo testing, providing an easy and accessible service. This convenience means that you can schedule and complete tests efficiently, without the need to travel far from home or work. Our nationwide presence underscores our commitment to providing accessible, quality testing services.
The process of hair follicle testing in Browns Point, WA is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Ordering a test is straightforward, and the procedures in place ensure that personal information remains protected throughout. Ensuring confidentiality is of utmost importance, providing clients with a sense of security.
From the initial scheduling to the collection and reporting of results, the steps are designed to be user-friendly and stress-free. This seamless process assures clients of an efficient service without complexities. Handling everything confidentially ensures that privacy is respected, fostering trust in the testing process.
At Accredited Drug Testing, we highlight affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Browns Point, WA. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies of all sizes can access high-quality testing without financial strain, making it an ideal choice for cost-conscious businesses.
The quick processing of test results allows businesses to expedite decision-making processes without delay. This efficiency coupled with cost-effectiveness delivers exceptional value, ensuring that regardless of budget, reliable drug testing remains accessible. Clients can count on us for both economic benefits and prompt service.
Hair follicle testing in Browns Point, WA ensures fast and accurate results, allowing for precise detection of substance use. This method delivers high levels of accuracy that stakeholders can rely on, showcasing the superiority of hair tests over other testing methods. The ability to quickly identify substance use empowers organizations to make informed decisions swiftly.
With hair follicle testing, turnaround times are significantly reduced, as the process from sample collection to result delivery is seamless and efficient. The accuracy rate of these tests provides peace of mind, assuring that results are reliable and errors are minimized. Hair testing offers dependable results for both employers and individuals, showcasing its reliability.
Hair follicle testing in Browns Point, WA aids employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By choosing hair tests, companies reduce legal risks associated with substance abuse in the workplace. The method's superior detection window and tamper-resistant nature offer employers a complete and compliant testing solution.
Such testing not only enforces workplace safety but also fosters a culture of trust and responsibility. Ensuring policy adherence minimizes accidents, enhances productivity, and aligns with regulatory requirements. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they have a reliable method at their disposal to uphold workplace standards.
