Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for assessing drug and alcohol usage. The hair retains a comprehensive history of substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, this method can detect the presence of drugs and alcohol for up to about 90 days. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to have 150mg of the sample. The specimen should be weighed on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four primary stages involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is among the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Testing: In Marengo, WA, when considering testing options, hair follicle testing distinctly outshines traditional urine tests. The primary benefit is its superior detection capability and reliability. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, making them more resistant to attempts at cheating and providing unparalleled accuracy compared to urine-based methods.
Extended Detection for Comprehensive Analysis: Hair follicle testing in Marengo, WA, detects drug use over a substantial period of up to 90 days. This extended detection window provides employers with a detailed account of a person's substance history, granting insights that would otherwise be missed with shorter-term tests like urine analysis.
Unmatched Security: In Marengo, WA, hair follicle tests are known for their tamper-resistant nature. These tests significantly lower the risk of sample adulteration, delivering results that are both reliable and differential. Such security is unparalleled, ensuring the integrity of every test conducted.
Convenient Testing Accessibility: In Marengo, WA, the convenience of our nationwide and local testing centers ensures seamless access to drug testing services. Quick, easy, and hassle-free procedures underline the commitment to providing flexible testing options, making our services accessible to all, anywhere.
Simplicity and Privacy: In Marengo, WA, ordering and taking a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential. The process ensures privacy for the user at every stage—from ordering to receiving results—addressing any privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use for all individuals involved.
Competitive and Timely: In Marengo, WA, our hair follicle testing services are priced competitively, offering valuable options alongside fast turnaround times. This ensures that various companies, regardless of size, can benefit from our services, gaining excellent value and the assurance of swift results.
Speed and Precision: In Marengo, WA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their quick and accurate detection of substances. These tests provide swift results without sacrificing reliability, making them ideal in circumstances where speed and precision are paramount. With a high level of accuracy, this method ensures that substance use is detected with remarkable precision.
Ensuring Compliance: For employers in Marengo, WA, hair follicle testing promotes adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method mitigates legal risks while boosting workplace safety. The comprehensive nature of hair testing facilitates peace of mind, knowing that compliance requirements are met without compromise.
