Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug assessments in Medical Lake, Washington. If a hair drug or alcohol screening is necessary, Accredited Drug Testing specializes in hair testing with facilities across all cities Nationwide. Generally, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair from the crown or body hair is required. Hair assessments can detect drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other customized testing solutions.
In recent years, drug testing methods have increasingly utilized hair follicle drug tests. More employers, courts, and Substance Abuse experts now favor hair tests over standard urine tests. Zero-tolerance employers, courts, and those on probation rely on hair testing; its key advantage is a much longer detection window, typically up to 90 days, collected under observation, making tampering nearly impossible. However, for substance use detection within the last 5 days, urine tests remain most precise.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for spotting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the developing hair strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair can show a detection timeframe of approximately 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hairs (roughly the width of a #2 pencil), nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. The term 'head hair' specifically denotes scalp hair, while 'body hair' indicates all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results follows four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with the initial sample processing in the laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the sample's seal and correct shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry if not already covered by an electronic chain of custody procedure.
Screening acts as an initial cursory review for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.
When Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this phase, drug extraction from hair is at a lower concentration than through other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), signifying the high complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory protocol, spanning from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Medical Lake, WA, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. It boasts superior detection accuracy and reliability, capable of revealing substance use patterns undetectable by urine tests. Employers and professionals can trust these results for sound decision-making.
With its extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Medical Lake, WA reveals drug use history up to 90 days back. This offers employers a detailed view of an individual's substance use, promoting informed decisions regarding hiring and maintaining workplace safety.
The hair follicle testing method in Medical Lake, WA ensures a tamper-resistant approach. This significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and unquestionable. Trustworthy outcomes are essential for maintaining integrity in testing processes.
With convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Medical Lake, WA, accessing testing services is a straightforward process. Our extensive network ensures quick and hassle-free testing, granting easy access wherever needed.
In Medical Lake, WA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are designed to ensure privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns about confidentiality efficiently.
Our competitive pricing structures in Medical Lake, WA, combined with fast turnaround times, offer excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable rates and prompt service, delivering peace of mind alongside cost-effectiveness.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Medical Lake, WA make them a top choice. They demonstrate high accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring results you can depend on. With a quick turnaround, these tests provide efficiency alongside reliability, crucial for timely assessments.
Hair follicle testing in Medical Lake, WA fosters compliance with workplace drug-free policies, providing peace of mind for employers. It reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, making it a valuable tool for promoting a drug-free environment.