Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair may present a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. This method is easy to collect, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transportation.
An approximately 1.5-inch section containing 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG, supplement tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. It's advisable to measure the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Here, head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types like facial and axillary hair.
Procedure Outline
The core steps in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning begins with entering a sample into the lab's system, confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any necessary additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises a preliminary drug abuse check. While it serves as a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to hold up in legal situations. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair, presenting much lower concentrations than other methods like urine or saliva tests, which is why hair drug testing is among the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of positive screening results is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples presumed positive are washed as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to review under both the CAP Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: This is often referred to as "hair follicle tests", but it is the hair shaft that is analyzed, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Clallam Bay, WA, hair follicle testing is superior to urine tests. Firstly, the detection window is much longer, capturing a broader timeframe of drug use.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing offers enhanced reliability, minimizing false negatives. This accuracy ensures a comprehensive overview of substance use, assisting in maintaining strict drug-free policies, which is vital for employers and judicial settings.
Hair follicle testing in Clallam Bay, WA, provides a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days.
This extensive timeframe enables employers to gain an in-depth look into an individual's substance use history. Such comprehensive insight allows for informed decisions, ensuring the safety and integrity of the workplace and compliance with strict drug-free policies in various sectors.
Hair follicle tests in Clallam Bay, WA, are designed as tamper-resistant, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration.
This robustness ensures that results are reliable and beyond question, providing dependable evidence of drug use. With reduced chances of manipulation, organizations can maintain confidence in test outcomes, leading to better policy enforcement and higher workplace safety standards.
In Clallam Bay, WA, and beyond, our nationwide network of testing centers offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility.
With quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, individuals and companies enjoy the steadfast availability of our facilities. This widespread presence ensures no matter where you are, testing services remain readily accessible.
Hair follicle testing in Clallam Bay, WA, is straightforward and confidential, addressing concerns of privacy.
The process is user-friendly, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results. Ensuring confidentiality and simplicity enhances the user experience, allowing individuals and organizations to focus on outcomes without procedural complexities.
Our Clallam Bay, WA, hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times.
This combination delivers excellent value for businesses of all sizes, providing peace of mind without breaking the budget. Timely results and affordability ensure that companies can make quick, informed decisions essential for maintaining a drug-free environment efficiently and economically.
Hair follicle tests in Clallam Bay, WA, are known for their speed and precision. These tests ensure high accuracy when detecting substance use, setting them apart from other methods.
Employers and organizations benefit from fast results, aiding in quick decision-making and policy enforcement. By reducing waiting time, workplaces maintain efficiency and safety, all while ensuring tests' integrity through advanced methodologies.
Employers in Clallam Bay, WA, find peace of mind with hair follicle tests, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
By minimizing legal risks and bolstering workplace safety, these tests help maintain an environment of trust and reliability. Compliance with regulatory standards is achieved, fostering a secure and productive workspace that benefits both employers and employees alike.