Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When clipped near the scalp, hair offers an analysis period of nearly three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A portion of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields approximately 100mg, the perfect amount for thorough screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and screenings exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to use 150mg. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't present, a matching quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair involve only scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory operations for processing a drug test follow four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the primary step of integrating a sample into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening implements an initial fast assessment for abusive drugs. Screening serves as an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, but for a positive result in Screening to stand in court, it must be confirmed. Any sample indicated as positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
When a Screening stage sample shows presumptive positive results, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and will undergo the Extraction process. Here, substances are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations when compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug analysis as a challenging process.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive specimen is cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized conforming to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze strands of hair and not the follicles embedded underneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Tests in Kingston, WA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. This method not only provides longer detection windows but also maintains integrity, offering accurate insights into a person’s history with substances. Thus, hair testing is a superior choice over urine tests in Kingston, WA.
Extended Detection Period in Kingston, WA
Hair follicle testing effectively monitors substance use over an extended duration, up to 90 days. This longer detection window gives employers a thorough picture of an individual’s drug use history, making it an invaluable tool in Kingston, WA, for understanding an applicant or employee's past behaviors.
Secure Testing Process in Kingston, WA
Hair follicle tests reduce the possibility of sample tampering, thus ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. This robust testing method makes it nearly impossible to cheat, offering peace of mind with its tamper-resistant integrity in Kingston, WA.
Convenient Testing Centers Nationwide and Locally in Kingston, WA
Our widespread network of testing locations, including those in Kingston, WA, offers easy access to drug testing services. This convenience ensures that individuals and companies can experience hassle-free, quick testing at numerous nearby centers nationwide.
Easy and Private Process in Kingston, WA
The hair testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving test results is designed to be user-friendly, providing ease and discretion for those in Kingston, WA seeking drug testing services.
Cost-Effective Solutions and Quick Results in Kingston, WA
Our competitive pricing paired with swift result turnaround offers exceptional value to businesses of all sizes. Companies in Kingston, WA can benefit from economical services and fast outcomes, adding to their peace of mind while managing substance screenings.
Swift and Dependable Outcomes in Kingston, WA
Hair follicle drug tests promise precise and efficient results, delivering high accuracy in identifying substance use. This method provides rapid and trustworthy outcomes, making it a preferred choice in Kingston, WA. With its superior precision and speed, hair testing stands as a reliable standard in drug testing methods.
Ensuring Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Kingston, WA
Opting for hair follicle testing enables businesses to adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal concerns, and bolstering workplace safety. This method provides assurance to employers in Kingston, WA, that they are maintaining a compliant and safe environment.
