Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Colfax, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When sourced from near the scalp, hair offers a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and conveniently transportable.

A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning covers the initiation of sample processing within a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entries absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for abused substances. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples indicated as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from the hair at concentrations lower than those in other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening as one of the most challenging techniques to execute.

The Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is exceptionally challenging, thus enhancing result reliability.
• Offers historical insight: It presents a pattern of drug usage across time, rather than merely recent intake.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect new use: Drugs become detectable in hair after about 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are generally pricier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentration within hair.

Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing in Colfax, WA surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy. The benefits include:

• Extended detection window of up to 90 days
• Higher accuracy over standard urine tests
• Reduced cheating risks

Extended Detection Window

Employing a far-reaching detection window, hair follicle tests in Colfax, WA provide a comprehensive review of substance use. This method offers:

• Insight into drug use up to 90 days prior
• An inclusive history for better assessments
• A valuable tool for employers

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-proof nature of hair follicle testing in Colfax, WA is a critical benefit. This method considerably minimizes sample adulteration risks:

• Observed collection process
• Unquestionable reliability
• Assured test integrity

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience in Colfax, WA is a hallmark of our nationwide testing locations. Whether locally or elsewhere, our services provide easy access:

• Wide range of testing centers
• Effortless access to services
• Streamlined testing processes

Simple, Confidential Process

The simplicity and confidentiality of hair follicle testing in Colfax, WA reassure clients. The entire process is designed to be user-friendly:

• Easy ordering
• Confidential sample collection
• Secure results delivery

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Price efficiency and quick service define hair follicle tests in Colfax, WA. Our competitive rates accompany fast turnaround times:

• Cost-effective pricing
• Rapid processing and reporting
• Value for businesses of all sizes

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Colfax, WA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their rapid and precise results. They have high accuracy in detecting substance use, providing essential data for employers and legal bodies.

• Fast processing and analysis
• Outstanding accuracy rates
• Prompt reporting of results

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Colfax, WA, offering peace of mind. It reduces legal risk and boosts workplace safety by:

• Ensuring policy adherence
• Reducing potential liabilities
• Enhancing safe environments

Drug Testing Near Colfax, WA

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