Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of growing hair strands can trap biomarkers, thus providing a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, hard to alter, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil’s thickness) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests that include EtG, add-ons, and/or exceed 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be collected. Here, head hair denotes specifically scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab involves four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage of incorporating a sample into a laboratory system. It comprises verifying the integrity and proper shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening stage performs an expedited check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need further confirmation.
If the Screening stage results in a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are retrieved from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
A confirmed positive result from Screening is verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing as required. The complete lab process, ranging from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle underneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Fox Island, WA, surpasses traditional urine tests in reliability and accuracy. By capturing a broader detection window, hair tests trace drug use with superior precision. While urine tests cover recent usage, hair testing extends its range, making it a preferred choice for employers valuing comprehensive substance history over short-term habits.
Employers in Fox Island, WA, benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method offers a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history, providing valuable insights beyond the short-term reflection of urine tests. As a result, organizations get a thorough understanding of employee or candidate drug use patterns.
Hair follicle testing in Fox Island, WA, substantially reduces sample tampering risks. This method is nearly impervious to adulteration, guaranteeing reliable results. Employers trust these tests as they provide conclusive and unbiased evidence of drug use, thereby ensuring the integrity of the testing process.
Fox Island, WA, residents benefit from our nationwide network of testing centers, ensuring easy access to drug testing services. Our local facilities provide convenience, eliminating the hassle of traveling long distances for a test. This nationwide reach is designed to accommodate all individuals needing fast and straightforward testing services.
The testing process in Fox Island, WA, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, individuals experience a seamless procedure that respects privacy concerns. The discreet handling of information ensures a stress-free experience, combining efficiency with confidentiality in every step of the testing journey.
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround in Fox Island, WA, make hair follicle testing affordable. Businesses benefit from cost-effective solutions that deliver rapid results, accommodating the needs of companies of all sizes. This value ensures employers can maintain efficient operations without financial strain, providing peace of mind consistently.
In Fox Island, WA, the precision of hair follicle testing ensures fast and accurate outcomes. This method stands out for its ability to detect substances efficiently, providing quick results that help make informed decisions. Hair tests prioritize accuracy, significantly reducing the chances of false positives or negatives, thus offering a more reliable measure of substance use.
Employers in Fox Island, WA, achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method supports drug-free workplace policies by mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. By implementing reliable hair tests, companies foster a secure environment and adhere to regulatory standards, promoting overall business integrity.
