Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and other substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the structure of the hair strand as it grows. By collecting hair near the scalp, it can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a standard #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is an optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional components, and/or panels exceeding 10 tests, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of body hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in laboratory processing for a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary handling of a sample into the lab’s framework. This step involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substances of misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive outcome needs affirmation for court admissibility. Samples that show initial positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show an initial positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is separated from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other approaches (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a more complex technique to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening result is accomplished through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fern Prairie, WA
Hair follicle testing boasts a superior edge over traditional urine tests. Its extended detection period and greater accuracy make it a preferred choice. Whereas urine tests often miss recent drug use, hair tests provide a broader timeframe, offering a clearer picture of an individual's substance history, ensuring more dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Fern Prairie, WA
Hair follicle testing in Fern Prairie delivers a long-term view of drug use, tracing substances back up to 90 days. This extended detection window allows employers to assess an applicant's or employee's drug history comprehensively, ensuring informed decisions based on reliable data.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fern Prairie, WA
Providing unquestionable results, hair follicle tests in Fern Prairie minimize the risk of sample adulteration. This tamper-resistant method ensures sample integrity, offering peace of mind for both employers and individuals through its secure testing practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fern Prairie, WA
Our extensive network of testing locations provides easy access to services across the country, including Fern Prairie. This convenience ensures that testing is performed without hassle, supporting both individuals and businesses promptly and effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fern Prairie, WA
Our user-friendly and private testing process in Fern Prairie guarantees confidentiality at each stage—ordering, testing, and result retrieval. This seamless approach addresses privacy concerns, facilitating a worry-free experience for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fern Prairie, WA
Offering competitive pricing and expedited results, our hair follicle testing services in Fern Prairie provide excellent value. Our quick turnaround times ensure businesses of all sizes receive the information they need promptly and at an affordable cost.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fern Prairie, WA
The precision and speed of hair follicle testing offer an impressive solution in Fern Prairie. With high accuracy rates, hair tests efficiently determine substance use, ensuring reliable results. This advanced method allows for swift collection and analysis, confirming its status as a leading choice for drug detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fern Prairie, WA
Employing hair follicle testing helps Fern Prairie employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing employee safety. This reliable testing method fosters peace of mind, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
