Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive historical record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When obtained near the scalp, hair can furnish approximately a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the material is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four critical phases in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are derived from hair at a reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination itself assesses the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Markham, WA
When comparing hair and urine testing, hair follicle tests emerge superior due to their accuracy and reliability in detection. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide a comprehensive view of substance use, offering a longer history of detection. This makes it a more dependable option for organizations looking to enforce strict drug policies.
Extended Detection Window in Markham, WA
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which captures drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This advantage offers employers in Markham, WA, a thorough overview of an applicant's or employee’s substance history, aiding in informed decision-making for hiring or maintaining employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Markham, WA
The hair follicle testing method significantly minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring reliable and incontrovertible results. This resistance to tampering provides an added layer of confidence for employers and legal entities in Markham seeking authentic and dependable drug test results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Markham, WA
Our nationwide network of testing centers ensures that individuals and companies in Markham, WA, can access testing services conveniently and without hassle. With local centers available, the availability of these services allows for prompt and easy testing, avoiding undue travel and logistical challenges.
Simple, Confidential Process in Markham, WA
The straightforward, confidential process for hair follicle drug testing in Markham highlights ease and privacy. From scheduling the test to receiving results, clients are assured a user-friendly experience that prioritizes confidentiality and simplicity, addressing any privacy concerns during the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Markham, WA
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing offers excellent value for companies in Markham, WA. Our efficient service ensures that businesses of any size can affordably access reliable testing without compromising quality, providing peace of mind promptly.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Markham, WA
The hair follicle drug testing process is renowned for its precision and rapid results. A significant advantage of this testing method is its exceptional accuracy, particularly beneficial for detecting various substances with high reliability. The ability to quickly obtain results without sacrificing dependability makes hair follicle testing a preferred choice in Markham, WA.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Markham, WA
Adopting hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, bolstering legal compliance and safety. Employers in Markham, WA, benefit from the peace of mind that comes with reduced legal exposure and enhanced workplace security, safeguarding their organizations from potential drug-related incidents.
