Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair strand analysis is recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a protracted record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair fibers as they grow. When procured near the scalp, hair provides a detection span for alcohol and drug use that can extend up to roughly three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it is easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp supplies 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and verification. When considering EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested that the specimen be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be provided, a similar quantity of body hair may suffice. References to head hair strictly indicate scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within the lab’s system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an affordable means to exclude drug use in most samples, confirmation of a positive screen is essential for court admissibility. Thus, samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, substances are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive screening results are validated through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand itself, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing overshadow urine tests in Lynden, WA? The answer lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing can delve deeper into an individual's long-term substance use history, providing a clearer, more credible assessment. This reliability underscores why many institutions are transitioning to hair testing as their primary method of drug evaluation.
One standout feature of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, able to track substance use for up to 90 days. This wide-ranging view offers employers in Lynden, WA a comprehensive insight into an applicant or employee's past drug use, going beyond what traditional tests offer. By reviewing a longer history, employers can make more sound judgments about prospective hires or existing staff.
In Lynden, WA, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes sample tampering risks, thereby enhancing the reliability of the drug-testing process. The method is virtually tamper-proof, as it is challenging to alter the properties of collected hair samples. Consequently, employers can have greater confidence in the integrity and unassailability of their test outcomes.
Our testing network, including convenient nationwide and local centers in Lynden, WA, offers unparalleled ease for completing hair follicle drug tests. Designed for hassle-free access, these centers simplify the testing process, ensuring quick, efficient service provision. Regardless of location, users benefit from the swift logistics and widespread availability of our facilities.
In Lynden, WA, the process of undergoing hair follicle testing is streamlined and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the entire sequence prioritizes ease and privacy. Individuals can engage in testing without apprehension, knowing their data is secure and the procedure remains discreet, fostering user confidence and satisfaction.
Competitive pricing coupled with fast turnaround times characterizes our service offering in Lynden, WA. Hair follicle drug testing not only promises accuracy and speed but also delivers this at affordable rates, providing substantial value to companies of every size. Employers reap the benefits of high-quality testing without incurring excessive costs.
The precision offered by hair follicle drug tests is unparalleled, allowing for swift and accurate detection of substance use. These tests are celebrated for their high reliability in Lynden, WA, setting a benchmark for thorough drug testing protocols. Not only is the detection accuracy remarkable, but results are delivered promptly, enabling more informed and timely decision-making processes.
Hair follicle testing provides employers in Lynden, WA with compliance assurance and peace of mind. Ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies becomes feasible, which in turn curtails potential legal ramifications. Enhanced workplace safety is a direct benefit, fostering an environment where compliance and caution prioritize overall company health and security.
