Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair accumulates biomarker evidence of substance use within its fibers, providing a historical account of up to roughly three months when gathered near the scalp. This method is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
To obtain a 100mg sample, optimal for both screening and confirmation, collect a 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp. For assessments like EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Usage of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, equivalent body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory procedure for drug test analysis: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening provides a cost-efficient way of excluding drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples indicating a presumptive positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. This stage isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid testing, illustrating the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive results from Screening are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair oversight and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Known colloquially as "hair follicle tests", analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing in Clarkston Heights, WA, offering superior accuracy and detection reliability. With a longer detection window and minimal risk of tampering, hair tests provide a more thorough insight into drug use history, making them a preferred choice for employers.
The distinctive advantage of hair follicle tests lies in their extensive detection window, reaching up to 90 days. In Clarkston Heights, WA, this method offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's past substance use, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing is designed to be tamper-resistant, significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. In Clarkston Heights, WA, this ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy, providing clarity and confidence in the testing process for all involved parties.
With a broad network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Clarkston Heights, WA, access to our services is convenient and hassle-free. We ensure you have quick and easy access to necessary testing, catering to your needs seamlessly.
The process of hair follicle testing in Clarkston Heights, WA is simple and assures confidentiality. Easily order, take, and receive results with a method that protects privacy and offers straightforward usability.
Our services in Clarkston Heights, WA are known for competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, delivering exceptional value for companies of all sizes, ensuring affordable access to trusted drug testing solutions.
In Clarkston Heights, WA, hair follicle drug tests promise fast and precise outcomes. These tests are renowned for their swift analysis capabilities and remarkable accuracy in identifying substance use. This makes them an ideal choice for employers seeking reliable testing solutions.
Employers in Clarkston Heights, WA benefit from peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. It aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal issues, and promoting a safe and productive work environment.
