Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a long-term record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the structure of the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, comparatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The essential steps in processing a drug test in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial input of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary information entry not completed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to check for substance use in most samples, a positive result needs further confirmation to hold up in judicial settings. Any sample that yields a presumptively positive Screening outcome mandates secondary confirmation.
If a sample returns a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are removed from the hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Harper, WA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing in several ways. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy, capturing substance use over a longer period. Unlike urine tests, hair testing is less susceptible to evasion, providing a reliable method for identifying drug use robustly and effectively, making it a better choice for employers and individuals.
With hair follicle testing in Harper, WA, the detection window extends up to 90 days. This comprehensive period allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's substance use history. The expansive timeframe enables more informed decision-making, offering a clearer view of an individual's long-term habits.
In Harper, WA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method of drug testing. The collection process makes it difficult to manipulate, ensuring the integrity of the sample. This substantially reduces the likelihood of adulteration, providing reliable and indisputable results that instill confidence in the testing outcomes.
Offering convenient access, our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Harper, WA, makes it easy to receive hair follicle testing services. With a widespread reach, individuals and companies can enjoy hassle-free testing, regardless of location, facilitating prompt and convenient testing processes countrywide.
In Harper, WA, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the method prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns over confidentiality. Individuals can engage in the testing procedure confidently, assured of discretion and straightforward handling.
With competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Harper, WA, presents an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. This combination of value and efficiency provides peace of mind, ensuring that employers receive reliable test results promptly without incurring high costs.
In Harper, WA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and accuracy. These tests deliver fast results, ensuring that substance use is detected with high precision. The reliability of hair testing makes it a preferred choice for those needing quick, accurate evidence of substance use, strengthening confidence in the results obtained.
For employers in Harper, WA, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method decreases legal risks and boosts workplace safety by ensuring that all employees adhere to substance regulations robustly. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing that their workplace remains secure and policy-compliant.
