Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair can provide a long-term history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can offer an approximately 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When mentioned, head hair refers only to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial processing into a laboratory’s system. This step verifies that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening executes a preliminary swift examination for abuse drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective measure to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result needs validation for court acceptance. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screenings one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Carnation, WA, individuals and companies recognize that hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing. While traditional urine tests provide a snapshot, hair tests offer a broader detection window, ensuring comprehensive oversight. Hair testing enhances accuracy and reliability unmatched by urine testing's limitations.
The impossibility of altering hair test results elevates its trustworthiness compared to urine tests prone to manipulation. Therefore, hair follicle testing stands as a robust choice for honest, long-term substance use insights, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Employers in Carnation, WA, opt for hair follicle testing to gain a wider extended detection window for drugs. Unlike other tests, hair evaluations reveal substance use up to 90 days prior, offering a fuller view of an individual's history. This comprehensive detection window is invaluable.
With potential drug use detectable over such a prolonged period, employers can make informed hiring and retention decisions. This certainty provides peace of mind in maintaining substance-free environments, promoting safety and compliance.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Carnation, WA reduces risks of sample adulteration greatly. Compared to other methods, hair samples are resistant to contamination and tampering, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results each time.
Such integrity in the testing process assures employers and judicial systems alike that the results are a true reflection of the candidate's or employee's history. This advantage instills reliability and maintains the credibility of drug-free policies.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenient nationwide testing by providing local locations in Carnation, WA. Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees quick, easy, and hassle-free access to our services, accommodating all client needs efficiently.
The strategic positioning of our centers facilitates easy scheduling and fast processing times. With our comprehensive network, accessing testing services becomes streamlined for both individuals and organizations, minimizing disruptions.
Our process in Carnation, WA, is simple and confidential, ensuring ease and privacy for users. From scheduling an appointment to the actual test and receiving results, each step is designed to minimize hassle and ensure discretion at every stage.
Clients can confidently rely on our services, assenting to a straightforward process respected for confidentiality. Addressing any privacy concerns with utmost care, clients receive the assurance of an uncomplicated, streamlined testing experience.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our services in Carnation, WA are budget-friendly and efficient. We pride ourselves on competitive rates and swift delivery of test results, ensuring excellent value for companies regardless of size.
The balance between affordability and quality sets us apart, with quick result times bolstering workplace initiatives. Our attractive pricing empowers businesses to maintain drug-free policies without financial strain.
Hair follicle testing in Carnation, WA provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. Its ability to deliver precise outcomes makes it a trusted choice for employers and individuals alike. By detecting a wide array of substances effectively, it ensures high accuracy, ensuring no prior drug use goes unnoticed.
The speed of obtaining results from hair follicle tests is remarkable compared to other methods. Tests are conducted promptly and results made readily available for a swift, hassle-free experience. This efficiency aids in making informed decisions quickly.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Carnation, WA allows companies to regain compliance and peace of mind. By ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, businesses mitigate legal risks and create safer environments, benefiting all employees.
Hair testing's superior detection ability supports strict drug-free initiatives, aimed at keeping workplaces compliant. In turn, this enhances company reputation and safety, contributing to a positive work culture free from substance abuse concerns.
