Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands store long-term evidence of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers as they grow. When extracted close to the scalp, hair can indicate alcohol and drug use within an estimated 90-day period. Hair is straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG tests and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. To ensure accuracy, weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. Head hair specifies scalp hair only, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in a lab involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial steps of integrating a sample into the lab's system. This phase ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any extra data entry needs not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug presence. Although it is a cost-effective method for excluding drug usage in most cases, any positive results during Screening require further confirmation for validation in legal settings. Presumptive positives from Screening demand a secondary verification.
For samples that test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than in other mediums, such as urine or oral fluids, making hair testing a challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process when necessary prior to confirmation. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized in alignment with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the strand of hair rather than the follicle below the scalp.
In Kittitas, WA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing in several ways. The superior detection accuracy and reliability make it the preferred choice for many organizations. Unlike urine tests, which can only detect recent use, hair tests reveal a longer history of substance use, providing a clearer picture. Employers benefit from the reduced risk of false negatives and the enhanced security against manipulation.
The hair follicle testing method in Kittitas, WA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use over time, rather than just recent consumption. By detecting usage well beyond the capability of other testing methods, hair testing provides a more comprehensive view, crucial for informed hiring and management decisions.
The hair follicle testing process in Kittitas, WA, is notably tamper-resistant. This method significantly lowers the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are both credible and indisputable. By using a collection process that's difficult to manipulate, these tests offer peace of mind to employers and certifying bodies about the authenticity and reliability of the results.
Kittitas, WA, benefits from the convenience of numerous testing centers nationally. With easily accessible local facilities, individuals and businesses enjoy quick and hassle-free testing services. The spread of these locations ensures minimal travel and effort, allowing for a seamless testing experience and support for nationwide workplace compliance.
The hair follicle testing process in Kittitas, WA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to conducting the test and receiving results, every step is straightforward and privacy-focused. This assures users of the integrity and confidentiality of their data, helping to alleviate any concerns regarding personal information handling.
Businesses in Kittitas, WA, appreciate the affordable pricing and fast turnaround of hair follicle testing. These competitive price points, combined with quick result times, offer remarkable value. Companies, regardless of size, benefit financially while receiving timely, dependable results that support efficient decision-making processes.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Kittitas, WA. Known for their precision, these tests provide highly detailed insights into substance use history, making them a trusted choice for both employers and individuals. Their rapid processing time ensures that results are received swiftly, aiding in quick decision-making and reducing wait times typically associated with drug testing.
Employers in Kittitas, WA, find hair follicle testing to be vital for ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By opting for this thorough testing approach, businesses minimize legal liabilities and boost workplace safety. With the assurance that they are using a highly reliable testing method, employers gain peace of mind and reinforce their commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
