Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now widely regarded as an effective method for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage for up to a 3-month period. The collection process is straightforward, altering the sample is relatively challenging, and it is easy to send for analysis.
A 1.5-inch portion, approximately 200 strands of hair, comparable in size to a #2 pencil, gathered nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair—the perfect amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, the same amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases of processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample in a lab’s framework. It verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any supplementary data input missing from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening serves as a rapid initial test for detecting drug abuse. While it’s a cost-effective method for the majority of samples, any positive findings require further confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples testing positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample test positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction process. Here, substances are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening particularly complex.
Any screening results that test positive undergo confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests," the procedure targets hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Lexington, WA, hair testing showcases remarkable detection accuracy and reliability.
The ability to detect past substance use with higher accuracy gives hair testing an edge over urine tests, allowing for a dependable assessment of an individual's drug consumption history.
Hair follicle testing in Lexington, WA offers an extensive detection window of up to 90 days. Employers gain a comprehensive view of an employee or applicant's substance use history.
This extensive period enables more informed decisions, safeguarding workplace integrity and ensuring a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle tests in Lexington, WA drastically reduce the risk of sample adulteration.
As a tamper-resistant method, these tests offer reliable and unquestionable results, providing employers and officials with confidence in the accuracy of the findings.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Lexington, WA, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free.
Our extensive network of test centers provides easy access, ensuring that testing needs are met promptly and efficiently.
In Lexington, WA, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential.
From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, privacy and ease of use are prioritized, addressing any confidentiality concerns individuals might have.
Offering affordable pricing in Lexington, WA, hair follicle testing ensures quick turnaround times.
This competitive pricing structure provides exceptional value, catering to the needs of companies of various sizes and enhancing peace of mind.
In Lexington, WA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and swiftness. The method offers high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable findings.
Hair tests provide clear results in analyzing drug consumption efficiently and swiftly, instilling confidence in the detection process for all stakeholders involved.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Lexington, WA, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies.
Employers can reduce legal risks and enhance workplace safety, providing peace of mind and fulfilling regulatory obligations effortlessly.
