Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair strands encapsulate long-term biomarker history within their fibers, offering insights into up to about three months of alcohol and drug exposure when collected near the scalp. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is relatively tamper-resistant, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, providing the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, supplementary tests, or when exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of specimen. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the drug test laboratory process are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where the sample is processed into the lab system. It includes ensuring proper seal and shipment of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial check for substance abuse. Though cost-efficient for ruling out drugs in most samples, any positive results necessitate confirmation to be legally valid. Samples testing presumptive positive require an additional confirmatory procedure.
In the event of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair from the sample is prepared for Extraction. This step involves retrieving drugs from hair at concentrations lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of a positive Screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptive positive are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and holds ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", this process actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Goodnoe Hills, WA: Hair testing is superior due to advanced detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Goodnoe Hills, WA: Hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an expanded timeline, extending to 90 days.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Goodnoe Hills, WA: Hair follicle tests significantly curtail opportunities for adulteration, ensuring dependable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Goodnoe Hills, WA: With a broad network of testing centers, access to services is quick and hassle-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Goodnoe Hills, WA: The straightforward and private procedure ensures ease and privacy from ordering to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Goodnoe Hills, WA: Our competitive pricing and expedited results provide excellent value for businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Goodnoe Hills, WA: Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and speed, standing out for their high degree of accuracy in identifying substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Goodnoe Hills, WA: Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free mandates while minimizing legal liabilities.