Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair. When collected close to the scalp, it can offer a detection window for drugs and alcohol use extending up to approximately three months. Hair is easy to gather, a bit complex to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample dimension of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis. For EtG variants or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It's advisable to measure the specimen on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a matching quantity of body hair can be used. By referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. In contrast, body hair comprises all other hair categories (like facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
In lab processing for a drug test result, the four main steps include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step of handling a sample in a lab’s system. This process involves confirming the proper seal and shipment of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing requisite data entries not supplied through an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening performs an initial swift drug abuse check. While it's an economical method to exclude drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires validation for legal credibility. Any samples believed to be positive in Screening need subsequent verification.
If Screening indicates a probable positive result, additional hair is taken from the starting sample and prepared for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at considerably lower doses than other methods (like urine or saliva), hence why hair drug testing is among the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any suspected positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Granite Falls, WA
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine methods in several ways. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability have secured its place in the forefront of drug testing techniques used by corporations, legal institutions, and substance specialists.
The enhanced detection window of hair tests ensures it captures a comprehensive history of substance intake, an area where urine testing falls short.
Extended Detection Window in Granite Falls, WA
Employers benefit greatly from hair follicle testing due to its ability to detect drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This offers a more complete view of an individual's potential substance use history.
This extended timeline allows employers to make more informed decisions based on an individual’s substance history rather than just recent use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Granite Falls, WA
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring that results remain reliable and beyond dispute.
Such robust defense against adulteration makes hair testing an authoritative choice, enhancing confidence in the results among employers and legal entities alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Granite Falls, WA
With our extensive nationwide network of testing centers, individuals can easily access testing services quickly and conveniently.
In Granite Falls, WA, residents benefit from local availability, ensuring that testing is both hassle-free and accessible without significant travel requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in Granite Falls, WA
Our process for ordering, undertaking, and receiving results is straightforward and private, addressing common privacy and convenience concerns effectively.
Our commitment to confidentiality ensures that all aspects of the testing process maintain the individual’s privacy while providing clear and comprehensible results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Granite Falls, WA
We offer competitive pricing structures paired with rapid turnaround times, delivering excellent value for businesses of any size.
This combination of affordability and speed allows companies to conduct necessary screenings without substantial financial burden or delay.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Granite Falls, WA
Hair follicle drugs tests represent precision and speed, offering high accuracy in detecting substance usage. These tests provide dependable results, ensuring a clear understanding of an individual’s substance use history.
Due to the meticulous process involved, the results of hair follicle testing are timely and trustable, making them a preferred method for those needing immediate and definitive outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Granite Falls, WA
By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers not only comply with workplace drug-free policies but also minimize legal risks, simultaneously increasing workplace safety.
This method provides employers with peace of mind knowing they are upholding industry safety standards and legal compliance.
