Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. With hair, one can trace a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, the hair sample can offer an alcohol and drug detection timeframe of up to roughly 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample length of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil), will yield about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, a measurement of 150mg is advisable. Measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale is suggested. Should scalp hair not be available, a comparable mass of body hair can be taken. Note that when we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair, such as facial or axillary hair.
Procedure Summary
The drug testing process in the lab consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s database, which involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and carrying out any additional data recording not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid test for drugs. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly means to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Any sample that yields a presumptive positive in Screening requires further validation.
In case a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this step, drugs are removed from hair but in lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis one of the most challenging techniques to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo a cleansing before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, particularly in East Cathlamet, WA. Its ability to detect substance use over a prolonged period offers a significant advantage. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are more resistant to tampering, providing an accurate reflection of an individual's drug use history. This reliability makes hair testing a superior choice for organizations enforcing strict zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing in East Cathlamet, WA, offers a comprehensive perspective on drug use, detecting substances over a 90-day span. This long detection window provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, crucial for making informed hiring or continued employment decisions. It offers a more reliable drug use timeline than other testing methods.
The hair follicle testing method in East Cathlamet, WA, offers a robust solution against sample adulteration. Due to the nature of the test, the chances of altering or tampering with the sample are significantly minimized, ensuring the results are reliable and valid. This characteristic makes hair testing an ideal choice for organizations seeking uncompromised accuracy in substance use assessments.
East Cathlamet, WA, benefits from the convenient presence of nationwide testing centers, offering seamless access to hair follicle drug testing. Our local facilities are strategically located to ensure minimal hassle for individuals and employers requiring testing services. This network guarantees that accessing drug testing is quick, easy, and efficient for everyone involved.
In East Cathlamet, WA, the process of undergoing a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and private. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes confidentiality and convenience. Employers and individuals can trust that their privacy concerns are respected, with the entire process designed to be easy to navigate and discreetly handled.
Our services in East Cathlamet, WA, provide cost-effective hair follicle testing with prompt turnaround times. By reinforcing competitive pricing, we deliver excellent value while ensuring swift results, accommodating businesses of all sizes. Employers benefit from both the affordability and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their testing needs are met efficiently.
In East Cathlamet, WA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its rapid and precise results. The high level of accuracy in identifying substance use makes it a preferred choice, particularly when quick and reliable outcomes are necessary. This method ensures that employers receive dependable data without delays, streamlining the decision-making process and maintaining workplace integrity.
In East Cathlamet, WA, incorporating hair follicle testing in workplace practices ensures compliance with zero-tolerance policies. This testing method not only reduces potential legal liabilities but also enhances workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their drug-free policies are effectively upheld, creating a productive and secure working environment.
