Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand during growth, hair supplies a prolonged history of substance use. When collected nearer to the scalp, hair can indicate use of alcohol and other drugs for up to a three-month duration. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) from the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which constitutes the perfect sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG or tests exceeding 10 categories, 150mg of sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. In case scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in laboratory processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes confirming the secure sealing and proper shipment of the sample, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening features an initial, rapid inspection for habitual drug usage. This step is a budget-friendly method to dismiss potential drug consumption in the majority of samples; nevertheless, a positive screening result requires verification for acceptance in legal settings. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair from the primary sample is modified for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as presumptively positive receive a cleansing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and is accredited according to the ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hood, WA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Hood offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The extended detection window and reduced tampering risk make it the preferred choice for many organizations, providing a comprehensive overview of substance use and ensuring compliance with stringent policies.
Extended Detection Window in Hood, WA
With the ability to detect drug use over a span of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers in Hood a detailed insight into an individual's substance history. This extended period is crucial for evaluating long-term behaviors and ensuring a drug-free environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hood, WA
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the possibilities of sample adulteration, providing results that are reliable and trustworthy. This inherent resistance to tampering assures employers and legal authorities of the authenticity of the collected samples.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hood, WA
With a network of nationwide testing centers and local accessibility in Hood, WA, getting a hair follicle test is quick and hassle-free. This convenience ensures that testing services are readily available, making it simple for individuals and companies to access these essential services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hood, WA
Our ordering, testing, and results delivery process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy at every step, ensuring that clients in Hood can access services securely and with ease, alleviating concerns about data handling and confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hood, WA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Hood, WA, an excellent value for businesses of all sizes. The combination of affordability and efficiency supports companies in maintaining budgetary constraints while obtaining crucial test results promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hood, WA
Hair follicle testing offers unparalleled precision and rapid results in detecting substance use. This testing method ensures high accuracy, making it a dependable choice for identifying drug use. Its speed and reliability provide confidence to employers and legal authorities alike, ensuring timely and trustworthy reporting.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hood, WA
Adopting hair follicle testing helps employers remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies, helping reduce potential legal issues while enhancing workplace safety and operations. This method provides a secure and reassuring approach to managing employee substance use.
