Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibrous structure of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can provide detection insights for drugs and alcohol spanning up to around 3 months. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transmit.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those surpassing 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory's drug testing pipeline consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. This stage includes affirming that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails a preliminary cursory analysis for abusive drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive screen mandates verification to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), a reason why hair drug testing is the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation, as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation prerequisites.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure analyzes the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hanford, WA.
In Hanford, WA, the advantages of hair testing over urine tests are evident. Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, proving to be a more effective method for substance screening. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection period, hair testing provides a comprehensive look into an individual's history.
Extended Detection Window in Hanford, WA.
Hair follicle testing in Hanford, WA, allows detection of drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This thorough window gives employers a detailed view of a potential or current employee's substance use history. The longer detection timeframe ensures a more complete assessment than traditional tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hanford, WA.
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering, providing trustworthy results in Hanford, WA. This method's integrity makes it difficult to falsify results, ensuring that the outcomes are reliable and beyond question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hanford, WA.
Our testing centers in Hanford, WA, as part of a nationwide network, provide convenient and accessible hair testing services. This ensures a seamless and straightforward process for individuals needing quick and hassle-free drug screening solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hanford, WA.
The process for hair follicle testing in Hanford, WA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to testing and result retrieval, every step respects privacy and assures ease of use, addressing any concerns about confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hanford, WA.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Hanford, WA, offers substantial value for companies of various sizes. This cost-effectiveness, coupled with prompt results, ensures businesses can rely on efficient and economical drug screening.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hanford, WA.
Hair follicle drug tests in Hanford, WA, offer remarkable precision and speed. Known for their high accuracy, these tests can effectively detect substance use, making them a reliable choice. The quick turnaround and meticulous screening process ensure that results are both prompt and dependable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hanford, WA.
Employers in Hanford, WA, can uphold compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This approach not only helps in reducing potential legal challenges but also reinforces workplace safety, offering peace of mind.
