Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken close to the scalp, hair can provide a detection range of up to approximately 90 days for substances like alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug testing workflow comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. This stage involves confirming the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit drugs. Although Screening serves as an economical method to eliminate drug usage in many cases, a confirmed result is necessary for legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
The Confirmation phase for any positive results from Screening is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required before confirmation. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) standards for Hair and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests," the assessment is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bryn Mawr, WA
For various reasons, hair follicle tests are a superior choice over urine tests. They provide a scope of detection that unveils a longer history of substance use. Their accuracy in detecting substances ensures consistency in test results, helping employers enforce workplace policies with confidence.
Extended Detection Window in Bryn Mawr, WA
The ability of hair follicle testing to identify drug use up to 90 days prior offers employers an in-depth understanding of an individual’s substance history. This extended window of detection grants a more reliable measure of an applicant or employee's long-term behavior and enhances the credibility of the hiring process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bryn Mawr, WA
One of the essential advantages of hair follicle drug tests is their resistance to tampering. The collection process is meticulously observed, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration and delivering results that are both trustworthy and incontrovertible, thus upholding the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Bryn Mawr, WA
Our network of testing centers across the country, coupled with local sites, ensures speedy and accessible testing services. This widespread availability means that accessing testing facilities is straightforward and streamlined for individuals and employers alike, eliminating unnecessary complications.
Simple, Confidential Process in Bryn Mawr, WA
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results of a hair follicle test are kept simple and confidential. This approach addresses concerns regarding privacy and facilitates a hassle-free experience, making the entire process user-friendly while ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bryn Mawr, WA
Our competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times provide significant value for businesses of any size. The affordability of our services combined with prompt results ensures that companies can efficiently manage their testing needs without compromising on quality or speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bryn Mawr, WA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their swift and precise results, making them a cornerstone of substance detection. Their ability to identify substance use with a high level of accuracy ensures that employers and authorities can make decisions backed by reliable data. The intricate nature of these tests boosts their reliability, setting them apart as a superior testing method.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bryn Mawr, WA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities. This type of testing bolsters workplace safety, fostering a drug-free environment and providing peace of mind to employers committed to maintaining high standards of employee conduct.
