Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair retains a detailed timeline of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month analysis period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional components, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of entering a sample into the lab’s system, confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional details not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach for the majority of samples to exclude drug use, a positive screening result needs confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples indicated as positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample triggers a positive result during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for the Extraction stage, where drugs are removed from hair at much lower levels than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with tentative positive results are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Dash Point, WA, surpasses urine tests in reliability and accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair testing ensures a longer detection window, capturing substance use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests are limited to recent use. This makes hair tests the preferred choice for employers seeking comprehensive drug assessments in potential employees.
The precision of hair drug testing provides a broader picture of substance habits compared to urine tests, making it ideal for identifying consistent usage trends. The technique's superior detection offers employers confidence in the screening process, unlike traditional urine tests that might miss long-term drug habits.
One standout feature of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days in Dash Point, WA. This makes it invaluable for employers who need thorough historical insight into an individual's substance use habits, covering a broader timeframe than other testing methods.
The 90-day retrospective capability of hair testing provides a comprehensive view of an employee or candidate’s behavioral patterns regarding substance use. This extended detection offers a thorough assessment, giving employers peace of mind about potential hires or current staff.
Hair follicle testing in Dash Point, WA, offers a tamper-resistant solution that minimizes chances of sample adulteration, ensuring credible results. Unlike urine tests which can be manipulated, hair tests provide dependable and consistent data, securing a foolproof drug testing method for employers.
The robust nature of hair testing protects against tampering attempts, thus preserving the integrity of the results. This prevents any opportunity to alter the sample, offering unchallengeable evidence when verifying drug use against workplace policies.
Our nationwide and local testing centers in Dash Point, WA, ensure seamless access to hair follicle drug testing services. These conveniently located centers enable rapid and straightforward service availability, making it easy for employers and individuals to engage in comprehensive testing without unnecessary delays.
This wide-reaching accessibility is designed to simplify the testing process. Our presence in numerous cities guarantees swift execution of hair tests, providing an uncomplicated approach to drug testing across various locations without inconvenience.
At our Dash Point, WA, testing centers, the hair follicle testing process is simple and discreet. With an easy-to-follow procedure, from appointment scheduling to result reception, clients can trust in the privacy and efficiency of the service provided.
The entire process respects confidentiality, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience from order to completion. This confidentiality assures participants of the respect given to their privacy throughout the testing.
Offering affordable pricing and quick turnaround times in Dash Point, WA, our hair follicle testing service is both cost-effective and efficient. Competitive pricing ensures access to top-quality drug testing without financial burden, while fast results promise timely, actionable information for employers.
By providing excellent value, our hair testing services cater to a range of budgets, aiding companies in need of reliable screening solutions. Quick processing times further enhance this value, ensuring results are delivered swiftly and without delay.
Hair follicle drug testing in Dash Point, WA, is both swift and reliable, producing precise results quickly. Its technical superiority ensures accurate detection of substances, minimizing false negatives. This accuracy is unmatched in the drug testing industry, making hair testing an essential tool for employers needing quick and certain results.
The precision of hair testing is unparalleled, identifying subtler patterns of substance use missed by other methods. In addition to its speed, hair testing offers the assurance of catching long-term substance use, providing employers with essential insights swiftly.
In Dash Point, WA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, boosting safety and lowering legal challenges. By implementing hair tests, employers can confidently maintain a drug-free workplace aligned with regulations, diminishing the risk of legal and safety issues.
Thecertainty provided by hair testing helps employers implement stringent drug policies confidently, thus achieving compliance. This enhances employee peace of mind while reducing liability concerns, fostering a secure work environment for everyone involved.