Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair, it offers an extended timeline of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug presence over roughly a 3-month period. The collection process is straightforward, complicating adulteration efforts, and facilitates transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with close to 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, making it ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all alternative types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the analytical processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the preliminary processing of a biological sample within a laboratory's database. This phase involves confirmation that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, allocation of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any further data entry required which isn't captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a fast initial evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening is economical for negating drug use in most samples, a preliminary positive necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening must proceed to secondary confirmation.
Presumptive positivity in Screening triggers additional hair extraction from the primary specimen for the Extraction stage. Here, the hair surrenders drugs at notably lower levels of concentration compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes entails GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS diagnostics. All samples with presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation if warranted. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocol and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand, not the underlying hair follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coulee City, WA
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, the advantages are clear. Hair testing offers heightened detection accuracy, capturing substance use over a more extended period. This makes it an ideal choice for employers seeking a dependable method to enforce drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Coulee City, WA
Hair follicle testing provides an extensive detection window, often up to 90 days, allowing a thorough comprehension of an individual's substance history. This is vital for employers needing insights into a potential employee's past, giving a more complete picture than short-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coulee City, WA
Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests offer robust protection against sample tampering. This testing process reduces the likelihood of adulteration, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of results, which is invaluable for employers and judicial systems.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coulee City, WA
With a network of nationwide testing centers, access to drug testing services is streamlined. Our presence in Coulee City, WA, ensures quick and efficient service, removing hurdles and facilitating easy access for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coulee City, WA
Our approach to hair follicle drug testing prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. The process, from ordering to obtaining results, is designed with user privacy in mind, ensuring a hassle-free experience that respects individual confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coulee City, WA
Our competitive pricing and rapid result delivery offer tremendous value for businesses of various sizes. The affordability and speed of our services ensure that we meet the demands of companies seeking efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coulee City, WA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering rapid and precise outcomes. They stand out in their ability to detect substance use with high accuracy, offering peace of mind to employers and institutions who require reliable drug testing procedures. This efficiency ensures decisions made based on test results are founded on dependable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coulee City, WA
Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug policies, mitigating legal exposure and fostering a safe work environment. Employers can ensure compliance with drug-free mandates, enhancing reassurance and safeguarding organizational interests.