Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, its tampering is relatively challenging, and it is convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of around 200 hair strands (about the circumference of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In case scalp hair isn't available, an equal quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is processed into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in the majority of samples, any positive screen must be verified for court acceptability. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is considered the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result ensues through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp
When comparing methods in Long Lake, WA, hair follicle testing stands out over urine testing. Hair tests offer superior accuracy and reliability, tracing drug use effectively over longer periods. While urine tests detect recent usage, hair testing provides a broader view, essential for comprehensive evaluations by employers and legal bodies. This precision ensures higher trust levels and policy compliance.
Employers in Long Lake, WA appreciate hair follicle testing for its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This advantage offers a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history, surpassing traditional methods. With a wider detection range, employers garner valuable insights into potential hires or current employees, contributing to informed decision-making and risk management.
The hair follicle testing approach in Long Lake, WA is less prone to tampering than other methods. This quality assures employers of authentic, trustworthy results. With procedures designed to prevent sample manipulation, this method stands as a reliable ally against adulteration risks, enhancing test credibility and ensuring only factual data drives workplace decisions.
Access to testing services is seamless in Long Lake, WA, thanks to our widespread facilities. Nationwide locations ensure user-friendly testing access, removing logistical hurdles. Convenience is paramount, granting quick, easy entry to services that make monitoring employees' health straightforward and efficient, reinforcing overall workplace integrity.
Offering a simple, confidential process in Long Lake, WA, hair follicle testing addresses privacy concerns effectively. With a streamlined process for ordering, participation, and result retrieval, participants' anonymity is preserved. This ease guarantees a user-friendly experience, ensuring adherence to testing protocols without added stress or complexity for all involved.
Long Lake, WA businesses benefit from cost-effective hair follicle testing, enjoying quick turnaround times that align with financial constraints. Competitive pricing underscores our dedication to providing excellent value, bridging quality and affordability. Coupled with swift results, it's an investment in fair and prudent employee management, enhancing peace of mind.
Long Lake, WA stands as a hub for rapid, reliable hair follicle testing. This method is known for its swift and precise results, ensuring any substance use is detected with heightened accuracy. Employers benefit from timely insights, preventing potential workplace hazards and fostering a safe environment. A commitment to precision and efficiency makes hair testing a preferred choice, aiding decision-makers with dependable data.
Long Lake, WA employers find peace through hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks and underscores a commitment to safety. By ensuring compliance, businesses can operate smoothly, knowing they support a healthy work environment. Assured testing leads to both company and workforce satisfaction, reinforcing policies with confidence.
