Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Lynnwood, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by enclosing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand. Procuring hair near the scalp allows for a detection span of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection process for hair is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and effortless to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all remaining hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result mainly involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial sample processing within a laboratory system. This process includes confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.

During Screening, an initial rapid assessment for abused drugs is conducted. Though cost-effective, any positive screening result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample be deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

The Confirmation step for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection period of urine tests.
• High difficulty to falsify: Cheating a hair drug test is notably arduous, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical usage insight: It offers an overview of drug use behavior over time, beyond just recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent intake: It requires about 5-7 days for drugs to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing tends to be costlier than other drug test methodologies.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not on the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Lynnwood, WA, hair testing excels over urine tests in several aspects. Its superior detection accuracy identifies drug use across an extended timeline, reducing the risk of false negatives.

While traditional urine tests capture recent use, hair tests provide a long-term consumption view, crucial for comprehensive assessments.

Furthermore, hair testing remains highly reliable, with methods refined to detect even nuanced substance traces.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle tests in Lynnwood, WA, offer a 90-day detection window, providing insight into an individual's substance history. This longevity surpasses the limited scope of shorter-term tests.

This extensive detection period allows employers to gain a holistic view of an employee's substance usage, aiding informed decision-making.

By covering three months, these tests highlight consistent or occasional use patterns, ensuring thorough assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Lynnwood, WA, is a tamper-resistant method. Unlike urine tests, it significantly minimizes risks of sample adulteration.

This method ensures credibility in results, maintaining integrity throughout the testing process by using direct, reliable sample collection.

Unquestionable results from hair testing provide confidence that tampering won't alter the findings, thereby securing accurate data.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With a network of nationwide testing centers, including Lynnwood, WA, accessing hair follicle tests is hassle-free and convenient.

Local centers ensure quick service access, making the process easy and efficient for businesses and individuals alike.

This extensive accessibility facilitates timely scheduling, mitigating logistical challenges and streamlining the testing journey.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Lynnwood, WA, Accredited Drug Testing offers a simple and confidential process. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring user-friendliness.

Privacy concerns are addressed at every stage, with secure methods protecting individual information throughout the testing.

The ease of the process ensures stress-free involvement, from scheduling to confidential result delivery, maintaining discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair testing services in Lynnwood, WA, emphasize affordable pricing while ensuring fast turnarounds, delivering great value for businesses of any size.

Competitive rates make advanced testing accessible without compromising quality, providing financial peace to employers.

Efficient processing ensures quick result delivery, underscoring commitment to providing cost-effective, timely solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable evaluations in Lynnwood, WA. These tests boast high precision, efficiently identifying substance usage with remarkable speed.

Turnaround time is minimized, ensuring employers and individuals get prompt and dependable results, crucial for timely decision-making and maintaining a drug-free environment.

The accuracy of these tests stems from advanced laboratory methods that reliably confirm substance presence, giving peace of mind.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

In Lynnwood, WA, employing hair follicle testing guarantees compliance and peace of mind for employers. With stringent workplace drug policies, this method aids legal adherence.

By incorporating hair testing, organizations reduce legal risks while promoting safety and a drug-free workspace.

Employers gain assurance, knowing that comprehensive testing limits liability and bolsters workplace integrity.

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