Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly valued as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures an extended history of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window for alcohol and drug traces stretching up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for analysis and verification. For EtG extensions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advocated. It is advised to gauge the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be procured. The mention of head hair pertains only to scalp hair. The term body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory examination of a drug test customs four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning embraces the initial integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This phase confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any unmet data entry not handled by an electronic custody chain.
Screening delivers an expedient appraisal for illicit substances. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug consumption for most cases, a positive outcome necessitates further confirmation for it to hold up legally. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
In instances of presumptive positivity during Screening, more hair from the primary specimen is retrieved and readied for Extraction. In the Extraction phase, drugs are drawn from hair in concentrations much lower than those found in methods like urine or oral fluid tests, highlighting why hair drug screening is the most intricate method to administer.
Confirmation of any positive Screened result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing ahead of confirmation as needed. The complete lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mead, WA
Hair testing offers notable advantages over traditional urine tests in Mead, WA, primarily by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method ensures a more comprehensive analysis of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Mead, WA
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to reveal drug use over a longer period, up to 90 days. This offers employers a thorough understanding of an employee's substance history, essential for informed staffing decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mead, WA
Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the chances of sample tampering, ensuring that results are trustworthy and unquestionable. This method provides peace of mind by maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mead, WA
We offer readily accessible hair follicle testing services in Mead, WA, and through our extensive network of national centers, ensuring quick and easy access for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mead, WA
Our testing process in Mead, WA is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. This ensures client privacy from ordering to receiving test results, addressing common concerns related to ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mead, WA
Our services in Mead, WA are not only competitively priced, but also offer quick turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value and ensures timely results for companies of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mead, WA
Hair follicle drug tests in Mead, WA provide unmatched speed and accuracy. These tests efficiently detect substance use, offering results that are both rapid and reliable, which is essential for making informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mead, WA
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists Mead, WA employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, alleviating legal concerns, and increasing safety, which is vital for maintaining a productive environment.
