Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a longer-term record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion containing roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both preliminary testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a larger sample of 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the introductory processing of a sample in a lab’s system. This phase involves confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for substance abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method to discount drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be legally defensible. Samples that are initially positive during Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this process, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is particularly challenging.
Verification of any positive test result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed to be positive are cleaned before confirmation as required. The entire process in the lab, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted with oversight from both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is done on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Hair follicle testing in Malott, WA surpasses traditional urine testing in several ways. It delivers superior detection accuracy, offering a more reliable assessment of substance use, which is paramount for employers and authorities alike.
Employers in Malott, WA benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. This method reveals drug use over a longer period, up to 90 days, enabling a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle tests in Malott, WA are significantly resistant to tampering. They provide results that are both reliable and unquestionable, reducing the risk of sample adulteration and ensuring integrity in drug testing.
In Malott, WA, our testing centers offer convenience with nationwide locations. Access to quick, easy, and hassle-free testing services is ensured, providing a seamless experience for all individuals needing tests.
The process in Malott, WA is simple and confidential. From ordering and taking the test to receiving the results, it addresses privacy concerns effectively while offering ease of use to all participants involved.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Malott, WA provide exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. This affordability and efficiency alleviate concerns, granting peace of mind regarding drug testing processes.
In Malott, WA, hair follicle drug tests offer precision and speed in detecting substance use. These tests are acknowledged for their high accuracy, providing reliable results that support informed decision-making in various contexts.
For Malott, WA employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers and management teams.
