Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, it offers a comprehensive history of substance usage. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug intake for up to around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample consisting of a 1.5-inch section from approximately 200 hair strands near the scalp (similar in size to a #2 pencil) provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for assessment and validation. For tests such as EtG or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process in a lab for processing a drug test result encompasses four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step that deals with inputting a sample into the lab’s system. It encompasses confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a primary, swift evaluation for substances of misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that turn out presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair from the initial sample is utilized for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lesser concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to implement.
The Confirmation stage for any positive Screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives are prepped via washing as needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes a review in accordance with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this assessment examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Canterwood, WA, hair testing stands out due to its exceptional accuracy and reliability. The hair follicle method offers a more comprehensive assessment, capturing substance use up to 90 days prior. This extensive detection capacity gives employers and professionals a deeper understanding of an individual's history, surpassing the shorter timeline offered by urine tests.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Canterwood, WA, is a significant advantage. This method can register drug usage from up to 90 days earlier, presenting employers with a detailed overview of a potential hire's substance history. This extended lookback period enables comprehensive evaluations and supports the maintenance of a drug-free workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Canterwood, WA, provides a tamper-resistant way to conduct drug screening. The methodology greatly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, yielding reliable and unequivocal outcomes. Since the collection method is directly observed, there is little opportunity for manipulation, ensuring that results are trustworthy and valid for making critical decisions.
In Canterwood, WA, convenient nationwide testing locations facilitate quick and simple access to hair follicle testing. Our widespread network embodies hassle-free entrance to services, making it easier for individuals and employers to pursue drug testing solutions. Local centers complement our national reach, certifying that reliable assistance is within reach at all times.
The process of hair follicle testing in Canterwood, WA, is simple and confidential. Guidance from ordering the test to taking it and obtaining results is streamlined, alleviating concerns surrounding privacy. This user-friendly protocol ensures that individuals feel assured in the discretion and ease of the process, affirming their comfort with drug testing procedures.
Affordable pricing combined with fast turnaround times highlight the value of hair follicle testing in Canterwood, WA. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of varied sizes, providing them with excellent value. Quick result delivery furthers this convenience, ensuring that businesses can swiftly follow up on outcomes, enhancing their operational efficiency.
In Canterwood, WA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of hair testing is unparalleled, making it a top choice for accurately assessing substance usage. The rapid processing and detailed analysis of hair samples ensure that employers and individuals receive dependable information swiftly, aiding in informed decision-making processes.
Ensuring compliance and peace of mind for employers through hair follicle testing in Canterwood, WA, is paramount. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, fostering a safer work setting while minimizing legal risks. By integrating hair testing, employers can confidently maintain regulations and safeguard their workplace from the complications associated with drug use.
