Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair analysis offers a prolonged timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair. By gathering samples near the scalp, hair has the potential to reveal up to a 3-month history of alcohol and drug use. The process of obtaining hair samples is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is hassle-free.
A minimum of 1.5 inches, equating to roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, ideal for testing and validation. For EtG, supplemental tests, or extensive panel tests exceeding 10, it's advisable to obtain 150mg. Accurate measurement of the sample can be done using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar weight in body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Procedure
The drug test result analysis in the laboratory comprises four crucial phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where the sample is registered into the lab's system. It involves ensuring the sample's secure sealing and delivery, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial, swift assessment for drug presence. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug usage across most samples, a positive result in Screening requires validation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate confirmation through additional testing.
In instances of presumptive positive results during Screening, more hair is retrieved from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods like urine or oral fluid testing, highlighting the complexities involved in hair drug analysis.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS mechanisms are employed to confirm positive results found during Screening. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. The entire process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is scrutinized under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Clarification: Often termed "hair follicle tests", these assessments actually evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Crescent, WA: Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests, especially in Crescent, WA. Its ability to uncover long-term drug use provides a clearer picture than urine testing, fostering greater reliability and supporting employers and entities in implementing effective no-drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Crescent, WA: Hair follicle drug testing in Crescent, WA, offers the advantage of a long detection window, monitoring substance use over a span of up to 90 days. This feature provides employers a broad perspective on a candidate's or employee's drug history and promotes safe hiring practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Crescent, WA: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Crescent, WA, minimizes risks of sample tampering significantly. This method ensures results remain reliable and beyond doubt, supporting decisions based on unquestionable evidence of substance use over time.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Crescent, WA: Our expansive network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Crescent, WA, ensures easy and convenient access to services. It simplifies testing procedures, making them hassle-free and efficient for both individuals and companies.
Simple, Confidential Process in Crescent, WA: The hair follicle testing procedure in Crescent, WA, is straightforward and private. With a focus on simplicity and confidentiality, individuals can easily order tests and receive results without concerns over privacy, making it a user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Crescent, WA: Our competitive pricing and quick result turnaround in Crescent, WA, provide organizations with excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from the cost-effective and rapid service, comforting them with prompt and affordable drug-testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Crescent, WA: Hair follicle drug tests in Crescent, WA, provide highly precise and swift outcomes. With high detection accuracy, they effectively identify substance use, ensuring trustworthy results that help individuals and organizations make informed decisions swiftly and confidently.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Crescent, WA: Implementing hair follicle testing in Crescent, WA, helps in adhering to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks, and boosting organizational safety. Employers benefit from peace of mind, knowing their team complies with established standards.