In Cathcart, Washington, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug tests. Specializing in hair and alcohol testing, we have testing centers across the nation to perform these tests. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the head or body is needed for analysis. Hair tests can be tailored to detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other substances.
Recently, hair follicle tests have become a preferred method for drug screening. Employers, courts, and substance abuse professionals now often opt for them over standard urine tests. Hair tests are used in zero-tolerance employment policies, legal proceedings, and probation checks. Their main advantage is the extended detection period of drug use, up to 90 days, with observed collection, making it a reliable method. Yet, for detecting recent usage within five days, urine tests remain most accurate.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. A sample taken near the scalp can reveal usage over a period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, manipulating results is challenging, and transporting is hassle-free.
A 1.5-inch strand sample, comprising roughly 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, offers about 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the sample's weight. If head hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test result involves four critical phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into the laboratory’s system. This entails confirming the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be validated for legal acceptability. Samples that presumptively test positive require additional verification through confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a more complex procedure.
Verification of a positive screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed before verification as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Cathcart, WA? Hair testing is superior due to its high accuracy and reliability in detecting substances over a longer period. While urine tests may only indicate recent use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive history, making them a preferred choice for detailed assessments.
In Cathcart, WA, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is a significant advantage. Capable of showing drug use history for up to 90 days, it provides employers with a thorough overview of an individual's substance use, which is invaluable in maintaining workplace integrity and making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Cathcart, WA, proves to be a tamper-resistant method due to its robust collection and analysis process. It significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and indisputable results, thus maintaining the integrity of the testing procedure and safeguarding against deceptive practices.
Conveniently located testing centers nationwide, including local options in Cathcart, WA, ensure effortless access to drug testing services. Whether you require testing nearby or across the country, finding a center is hassle-free, offering a simple and efficient process to meet your testing needs briskly.
The process for hair follicle testing in Cathcart, WA, is simplified and confidential, designed to ease concerns about privacy and usability. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure is straightforward, ensuring that every step remains discreet and easy to navigate.
Affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Cathcart, WA, position hair follicle testing as a valuable choice for companies of various sizes. Competitive rates coupled with prompt service offer businesses excellent value, ensuring they receive crucial information swiftly and cost-effectively, aiding in informed decision-making.
In Cathcart, WA, hair follicle tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. This precision ensures that substance use is detected with great accuracy, giving confidence to employers and professionals alike. Thanks to their reliability and detailed analysis, these tests are trusted for making informed decisions about substance use.
Employers in Cathcart, WA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies by minimizing legal risks and maximizing safety. Its accuracy and reliability help build a safe, compliant environment conducive to productivity and well-being.
