Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening is recognized as a formidable method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as the hair grows. When sourced near the scalp, the hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hairs (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample for both initial testing and validation. For EtG, special requests, and/or checks exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement is suggested. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. It consists of confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for abuse substances. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome needs affirmation to hold up in court. Any samples that exhibit presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during Screening, further hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are then derived from hair at a significantly reduced concentration than in alternate techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), contributing to hair drug screening being a highly intricate methodology.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing process prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Longview Heights, WA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests offer unmatched detection precision and dependability. Their ability to uncover long-term drug use far exceeds the short-term focus of urine tests, establishing a stronger foundation for comprehensive drug assessments.
Extended Detection Window in Longview Heights, WA
Hair follicle testing excels with an extensive detection window, reaching up to 90 days into past substance use. This gives employers a thorough overview of an individual's drug history, making it a preferred choice for maintaining a clean and responsible workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Longview Heights, WA
Hair follicle tests significantly curb the chances of sample tampering, offering results that are both credible and irrefutable. This boosts the reliability of drug assessments, making them a cornerstone for trustworthy testing practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Longview Heights, WA
Our nationwide network of testing centers, along with local options in Longview Heights, WA, ensures a seamless, efficient, and user-friendly experience, so you can access our testing services with ease and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Longview Heights, WA
Our straightforward and private testing procedure in Longview Heights, WA, simplifies ordering, participation, and results reception, addressing privacy concerns while guaranteeing ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Longview Heights, WA
Our competitive pricing and brisk turnaround times deliver exceptional value for businesses, regardless of size, ensuring efficient service without compromising on quality or peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Longview Heights, WA
Hair follicle drug tests shine with their precision and rapidity, setting a high standard in substance detection accuracy. Their adeptness in identifying substance use makes them a cornerstone for reliable drug testing in Longview Heights, WA, ensuring decisive results that withstand scrutiny.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Longview Heights, WA
Implementing hair follicle testing aids in aligning with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal repercussions and enhancing job environment safety, ensuring employers can maintain compliance and enjoy peace of mind.
