Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical record of alcohol and drug use, by incorporating biomarkers into the fiber of each growing strand. Samples taken near the scalp can deliver an approximately 3-month detection period for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unattainable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system, which involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug usage for most samples; however, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples that test positive during Screening require an additional confirmation.
For samples testing positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity and sophistication of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples testing positive presumptively are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation conforming to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Farmer, WA, hair testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests. Hair follicle tests boast unmatched detection accuracy, making them a preferred choice for rigorous scrutiny. Their reliability surpasses that of urine tests, effectively identifying substance use with an extended examination period.
Extended Detection Window
Operating in Farmer, WA, hair follicle testing extends the detection window up to 90 days. This prolonged period furnishes employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, promoting comprehensive assessments beyond the limits of standard testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle tests in Farmer, WA effectively minimize sample tampering risks. Their design curtails adulteration possibilities, ensuring that results remain reliable and irrefutable. This integrity secures unquestionable testing outcomes, fundamental in professional environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Farmer, WA acknowledges the convenience of our nationwide and local testing centers, ensuring swift and stress-free access to drug testing services. This accessibility allows clients to experience prompt and efficient testing processes without inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our process in Farmer, WA is straightforward and discreet, from ordering to receiving results. The privacy concerns are duly addressed, ensuring that the entire process, including sample collection and outcome delivery, remains confidential and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Operating in Farmer, WA, we present competitively priced hair follicle tests paired with quick turnaround times. These dual strengths ensure that companies of varying sizes receive great value paired with peace of mind, due to timely and economical testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Farmer, WA, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision. They accurately detect substance use with exceptional reliability. This method not only ensures rapid results but also maintains high accuracy throughout the detection process, offering assurance both swiftly and dependably.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Farmer, WA, hair follicle testing champions compliance with workplace drug-free standards, mitigating legal issues while enhancing safety. This dependable method aids in enforcing policies, thus offering employers the assurance of maintaining a secure and compliant workplace.
