Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of alcohol and drugs. Hair offers an extensive history of substance use, as biomarkers become embedded within the hair as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month period of drug and alcohol detection. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly the dimension of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, deemed ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to determine the specimen's weight is suggested. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair might be sourced. When noting head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.) are categorized as body hair.
Process Overview
The key stages entailed in lab processing for drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the sample's initial integration into the lab system. This step encompasses ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any extra data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, rapid evaluation for substance use. Although Screening is an economical means to dismiss drug usage for most samples, those yielding a positive screen must be confirmed to stand legally. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive during the Screening step, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug analysis is exceptionally challenging.
Confirming a positive screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All tentative positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Prevails in Grisdale, WA
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests, several advantages emerge. Hair testing's superior detection time frame and robustness make it the preferred choice.
With hair tests, detection of long-term substance use is possible, showcasing their reliability and accuracy over traditional urine tests.
Long Detection Period in Grisdale, WA
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days, which gives a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history.
This feature is invaluable for employers seeking detailed insights into their applicants or employees, ensuring informed decision-making processes.
Reducing Sample Tampering in Grisdale, WA
The structure of hair follicle tests notably decreases the likelihood of sample adulteration, yielding reliable and unquestionable outcomes.
This integrity factor is crucial, as it upholds the test’s validity, assuring employers of accurate and authentic results without tampering concerns.
Convenience in Grisdale, WA
Our nationwide and local testing centers, including those in Grisdale, WA, offer unmatched convenience for clients, ensuring swift and easy access to our services.
This widespread availability allows for a hassle-free experience, with quick and accessible testing services throughout various locations.
Easy and Confidential in Grisdale, WA
Ordering and undertaking hair follicle tests is a straightforward process, maintaining the utmost confidentiality and ease of use.
Ensuring privacy and simplicity, our procedure addresses common concerns, providing a secure and user-friendly testing experience.
Value for Money in Grisdale, WA
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times deliver excellent value, appealing to businesses of all sizes in need of efficient drug testing.
With affordable costs and fast processing times, our services offer peace of mind, ensuring consistent reliability without breaking budgets.
Speed and Accuracy in Grisdale, WA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering fast yet precise results. Their timely accuracy in detecting substance use ensures that results are both swift and dependable.
Thanks to advanced technology, these tests boast an impressive ability to rapidly assess drug use in individuals, maintaining high precision while delivering results in an expedient manner.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Grisdale, WA
Employers using hair follicle testing enhance their commitment to workplace drug-free policies, effectively minimizing legal risks and boosting safety.
This not only ensures regulatory compliance but also fosters a safer working environment, increasing overall peace of mind for business owners.