Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a valuable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This approach captures a long-term timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage spanning up to roughly three months. It is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 strands (approximately #2 pencil thickness) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and verification. For additional EtG tests or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg collection is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically implies scalp hair, whereas body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test result processing encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by electronic chain of custody systems.
Screening performs an initial, swift assessment for drug presence. While it serves as an economical method to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be substantiated to be court-admissible. Samples presumed positive during Screening require confirmation through a secondary process.
For samples flagged positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch for the Extraction process. This step isolates drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making it one of the most challenging drug testing methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing phase before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," these tests actually assess the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Meadow Glade, WA, several benefits surface. Hair tests showcase exceptional detection precision and reliability, transcending traditional urine examinations. The longer detection window captures extensive drug use histories, offering more comprehensive insights into substance habits, unlike urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Meadow Glade, WA, grants employers an extended detection window, observing drug use up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe offers a profound view into a candidate's or employee’s drug use history, enabling a strategic approach in maintaining a drug-free workplace environment, unmatched by other testing methods.
In Meadow Glade, WA, hair follicle tests stand out as a tamper-resistant option, diminishing chances of sample meddling. The methodology reinforces trustworthiness, ensuring results are authentic and irrefutable. This integrity in testing appeals to those seeking reliable substance use insights without the dilemma of adulteration or evasion.
The convenience of nationwide and local testing facilities in Meadow Glade, WA, is unmatched. Facilitating smooth, effortless access to necessary testing services, our centers ensure the process is both quick and hassle-free, providing a dependable solution for organizations across all regions without any logistics hindrances.
The hair follicle testing process in Meadow Glade, WA, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality across all stages – from ordering, through testing, to obtaining results. Concentrating on privacy and ease, the procedure assures all participants a seamless and discreet experience, addressing privacy and usability concerns effectively.
In Meadow Glade, WA, our competitive pricing paired with swift turnaround times highlight our exceptional value proposition. Catering to organizations of varying scales, we ensure affordable solutions without compromising on quality or assurance, enhancing decisions with financial foresight and rapid result delivery.
In Meadow Glade, WA, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and rapid results. They are significantly accurate in unveiling substance use, aiding entities in making informed decisions swiftly.
High-level accuracy and speed of these tests ensure prompt and reliable outcomes, fast-tracking the entire screening process for various needs.
For Meadow Glade, WA employers, hair follicle testing underpins adherence to drug-free work policies, thus maintaining compliance and reducing legal liabilities. This testing kind bolsters workplace security, offering peace of mind by nurturing a safe and sober workplace culture, essential for operational efficiency and safety.
