Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand's growth embeds biomarkers, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hairs (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, supplemental tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In situations where scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for drug testing encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.
Screening is an initial, rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screening result needs to be confirmed to be accepted legally. Any samples that test positive initially in Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples that test positive initially in the Screening, further hair is collected from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are concentrated from hair at a much lower level than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing more challenging.
Any confirmed positive screening is validated via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the testing focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Emden, WA
When compared to urine testing, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can miss recent drug use due to their limited detection period, hair tests track drug use over a more extended timeline. This expansive window offers employers and legal entities a more accurate representation of an individual's substance usage patterns, reinforcing the test’s utility.
Extended Detection Window in Emden, WA
Hair follicle testing impressively captures drug use data over an extended period, stretching up to 90 days. This wide-ranging detection window presents employers with a multifaceted understanding of an applicant or employee's historical drug use. By surpassing the capabilities of short-term detection methods, this process enhances the overall efficacy of drug testing strategies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Emden, WA
Hair follicle tests offer a substantial safeguard against tampering, significantly minimizing the risk of adulterated samples. This testing method ensures that the results are reliable, delivering definitive verdicts that employers and legal bodies can trust. The integrity of hair testing protects against fraudulent attempts, thereby securing uncompromised results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Emden, WA
Our network of testing centers nationwide makes accessing hair follicle testing services straightforward and hassle-free in Emden and beyond. This convenience ensures employers and individuals can quickly locate a nearby facility to carry out the necessary tests, supported by our commitment to fast and seamless service delivery.
Simple, Confidential Process in Emden, WA
The process for conducting hair follicle testing is both straightforward and private, ensuring user confidentiality throughout. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed for ease and security, addressing privacy concerns. This streamlined approach guarantees a stress-free experience while maintaining the utmost regard for personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Emden, WA
Offering competitive pricing structures, our hair follicle testing is accessible to businesses of all sizes. Coupled with a quick turnaround time, this cost-effective approach provides excellent value, enabling employers to gain swift insights into an individual's drug use history and make timely, informed decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Emden, WA
Hair follicle testing delivers quick and precise results, often distinguishing itself as more reliable than traditional methods. Its outstanding capacity to detect a broad range of substances ensures employers receive dependable data about an individual's drug use. The speed and accuracy of these tests provide confidence and security in making informed employment decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Emden, WA
With the reliable data provided by hair follicle testing, employers can confidently uphold drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and boosts safety, ensuring workplaces are compliant with regulations. It offers peace of mind by providing unquestionable evidence of an individual's substance history without compromising on accuracy.
