Hair Drug Testing Locations - Hockinson, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to manipulation, and convenient for transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (roughly akin to the diameter of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This involves checking the sample for proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an initial rapid test for drug presence. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in court. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

For samples presumed positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies.

GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used for verifying any positive screening outcomes. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for a period of up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter period for detection.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is considerably challenging, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It can display a pattern of drug use over time, rather than recent use alone.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher costs compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Aspects like hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hockinson, WA

• Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering unmatched detection accuracy and reliability. Its prolonged detection period provides a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use, unlike urine tests limited to recent drug intake. Employers seeking thorough assessments benefit from the robustness of hair testing.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Hockinson, WA

• Hair follicle testing is renowned for its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This extensive period allows employers to obtain a detailed overview of an applicant's or employee's substance habits, aiding in informed decision-making and maintaining a drug-free workplace environment more effectively than shorter-duration urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hockinson, WA

• The integrity of hair follicle testing is its ability to resist tampering, offering robust protection against potential adulteration. This feature ensures that results are consistent and unassailable, delivering assurance to employers and authorities relying on this method for accurate substance use assessments and maintaining the credibility of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hockinson, WA

• The convenience of our widespread testing centers across the nation, including in Hockinson, WA, offers clients swift, effortless access to testing services without unnecessary complications. This extensive network facilitates prompt and efficient testing experiences, ensuring that individuals and employers can access the services they need with minimal hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Hockinson, WA

• We ensure a straightforward and private process for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results. This approach addresses privacy concerns while simplifying the user experience, allowing individuals and businesses to engage with our services with confidence and ease, thereby maintaining discretion while meeting testing needs.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hockinson, WA

• Our competitive pricing models coupled with quick turnaround times provide notable value for organizations of any size. This combination of cost-efficiency and rapid service grants companies peace of mind, knowing they have invested in quality testing solutions that uphold high standards of accuracy and service delivery.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hockinson, WA

• Hair follicle drug tests provide results that are both precise and expeditious, ensuring accurate detection of substances. Their ability to recognize multiple drugs with high sensitivity makes them a preferred choice for those requiring exactness. Thus, entities enforcing strict policies can rely on this method for quick and dependable analysis of substance use.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hockinson, WA

• Employing hair follicle testing ensures businesses adhere to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal exposure and bolstering workplace safety. This reliable method of testing enhances an employer's peace of mind, knowing they are in full compliance with regulatory standards while promoting a healthy and productive work environment.

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