Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Kettle Falls, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. The hair captures a timeline of substance use by securing biomarkers in the hair strand’s structure. A sample taken near the scalp can indicate up to about a 90-day detection window for alcohol and drugs. It’s easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil) near the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the preferred amount for tests. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to determine the specimen's weight is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t an option, a similar volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair refers to other types (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The critical stages in processing a drug test result in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the sample being initially processed into the laboratory's system, confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and handling any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it's an economical method to discount drug use for most samples, a positive screening demands additional confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening need follow-up confirmation.

When a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair from the original sample is used in Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations much lower than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

A positive screening is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positivity are cleaned as needed before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conforming to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can uncover drug use for as long as 90 days, unlike urine tests which detect over a shorter timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: Hair drug tests are notably hard to fake, enhancing result accuracy.
• Gives historical insight: It provides a history of use, not solely recent activity.

Limitations:

• Lacks detection of immediate use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to appear in hair strands.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than other testing alternatives.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and different growth rates can impact drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually analyses the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kettle Falls, WA
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests in several aspects. It offers superior detection accuracy and reliability by screening a broader substance history over time.

• Extended detection window
• Unparalleled accuracy
• Hard to manipulate

Thus, it provides a more comprehensive evaluation for potential substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Kettle Falls, WA
Hair follicle tests can reveal drug usage over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This extensive window provides employers with greater insights into an individual's substance history.

• Increased detection duration
• Comprehensive situational analysis
• Tracks patterns of use

Such longevity in detection is a critical advantage for comprehensive screening.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kettle Falls, WA
Hair follicle drug tests drastically lower the risk of sample tampering, ensuring more dependable outcomes.

• Less chance of adulteration
• Observed collection ensures authenticity
• Trustworthy results

This robustness against tampering is crucial for maintaining the integrity of testing outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kettle Falls, WA
Our nationwide facilities offer convenience for all, including local centers for Kettle Falls residents. Testing services are swift and stress-free.

• Extensive network of centers
• Accessible locations
• Streamlined services

This accessibility simplifies the testing process for everyone involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Kettle Falls, WA
Our testing protocol is straightforward and respects your privacy. Ordering, testing, and obtaining results are all designed to be hassle-free.

• Easy to implement
• Confidential handling
• User-friendly procedures

This ensures users have a smooth and private testing experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kettle Falls, WA
Our services are competitively priced, providing fast results to businesses of any scale.

• Cost-effective options
• Quick result delivery
• Exceptional value

This ensures you have access to high-quality testing without financial strain.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kettle Falls, WA
Hair follicle testing has gained recognition for its precision and rapid results. In detecting substance use, it provides a higher accuracy level compared to more conventional methods.

• Quick results
• Enhanced precision
• Accurate even with small sample sizes

These advantages make it a top choice for accurate substance use verification.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kettle Falls, WA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain drug-free work environments, mitigating legal risks and promoting safety.

• Ensures policy compliance
• Reduces legal liabilities
• Fosters a secure workplace

This testing method provides employers with essential peace of mind.

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