Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent approach for detecting substance use, including drugs and alcohol. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair as it develops, hair presents a comprehensive timeline of substance usage. If the hair sample is taken near the scalp, it offers about a 3-month window for detecting drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is convenient.
A sample of 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) cut nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result undergoes four primary laboratory processes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s infrastructure. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry not already captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid test for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to negate drug use in most cases, a positive test necessitates confirmation to be legally valid. Consequently, any samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need to undergo a secondary validation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this juncture, drug matter is removed from hair in far lower concentrations than with alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug assessments are among the most demanding techniques to conduct.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are utilized for the Confirmation of any affirmative screening outcomes. Prior to confirmation, all samples showing presumptive positives are cleaned when necessary. The lab procedures from Accessioning through Confirmation are overseen according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Colton, WA
Hair testing presents numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. High detection accuracy and reliability stand as its foremost strengths. Employers seeking comprehensive insights into substance use prefer hair testing due to its superior detection capabilities, highlighting its effectiveness over urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Colton, WA
Hair follicle testing excels in offering a prolonged detection period of up to 90 days for drug use. This advantage allows employers to gain insight into an individual's substance use history over several months, providing a broader perspective than other test methods can afford.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Colton, WA
Hair follicle testing drastically limits sample tampering or adulteration, ensuring results remain authentic and reliable. The method's integrity is invaluable, offering employers and testers confidence in the accuracy of the test outcomes, safeguarding against manipulation efforts.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Colton, WA
With our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, accessing our services is straightforward and efficient. This extensive reach ensures that individuals and companies in Colton, WA, and beyond can easily attend testing appointments without hassle.
Simple, Confidential Process in Colton, WA
Our testing process is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, easing concerns about privacy. From ordering to test-taking and result retrieval, the entire procedure is straightforward, ensuring participants feel secure throughout their testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Colton, WA
We offer competitive pricing structures alongside quick turnaround times, providing excellent value to businesses of all sizes. This ensures that companies receive efficient service without compromising on budget constraints, maintaining peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Colton, WA
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its ability to deliver quick and precise results. The accuracy in detecting substance use is unmatched, offering peace of mind for organizations. Hair tests provide a meticulous analysis, ensuring that the detection of drug use is reflective of a reliable process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Colton, WA
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns seamlessly with workplace drug-free policies, enhancing compliance and safety. Employers gain reassurance from reduced legal risks and improved workplace security, reinforcing a commitment to a drug-free environment.