Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The ability of hair testing to reveal drug and alcohol consumption has increased its reputation as an effective detection method. Hair acts as a repository for long-term histories of substance use, capturing biomarkers in the hair strand's fibers as it grows. With samples taken near the scalp, hair testing can provide a detection timeline of approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair samples are both simple to collect and resistant to tampering, and shipping these samples is straightforward.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or anything exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equal amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results is conducted across four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first processed into the laboratory's system. This step entails verifying the sample's sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary and rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening effectively eliminates drug usage in most samples at a lower cost, any positives identified require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening are subject to a secondary confirmation process.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluid, underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive results from Screening utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair protocols and meets ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While these are often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Endicott, WA, outperforms traditional urine tests. The superior detection capabilities of hair testing translate into higher accuracy and reliability. This method offers a significant advantage for those requiring stringent drug testing protocols, ensuring comprehensive results.
Employers in Endicott, WA, benefit greatly from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method provides a thorough overview of an applicant or employee's drug use history, offering insights that urine tests with shorter detection periods can't match.
Hair follicle testing is renowned in Endicott, WA, for its resistance to tampering. These tests minimize the chances of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy and irrefutable results, making them a preferred choice for accurate drug testing.
Nationwide testing centers, including those in Endicott, WA, provide convenience and accessibility. These easy and hassle-free locations ensure individuals and employers have quick access to testing services whenever needed.
The process of hair follicle testing in Endicott, WA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to collection and result delivery, the emphasis is on maintaining privacy and ease of use for all clients involved.
Businesses in Endicott, WA, can take advantage of competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times with hair follicle testing. These cost-effective solutions provide excellent value, making drug testing accessible to companies of all sizes.
In Endicott, WA, hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their speed and accuracy. These tests offer precise detection of substance use, providing reliable results quickly, which is crucial for both employers and individuals seeking clarity and assurance in testing outcomes.
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers in Endicott, WA, can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach mitigates legal liabilities and promotes a safer work environment, granting peace of mind to employers.
