Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use within an approximate three-month timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the circumference of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding ten panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable volume of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair varieties (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a laboratory consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. This step includes ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not provided via an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening provides a rapid preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While cost-efficient for ruling out drug usage in most cases, a positive screen requires confirmation for court acceptance. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for use in Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is more intricate to conduct.
Confirmation of any screened-positive result is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positive results are cleaned prior to Confirmation as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Melbourne, WA: Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. While urine tests may only detect recent use, hair tests provide a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history. Hair testing ensures that employers make informed decisions, promoting a healthier work environment through accurate and reliable results.
In Melbourne, WA, hair follicle drug testing is highly regarded for its superior accuracy and extended detection periods. The method surpasses urine testing by minimizing false negatives and providing employers with a trustworthy assessment of an individual's drug use patterns. With these advantages, hair testing strengthens workplace safety and compliance efforts.
Extended Detection Window in Melbourne, WA: The capability of hair follicle tests in Melbourne, WA, to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days sets them apart from other methods. This comprehensive detection window offers employers a thorough understanding of an employee's substance history, allowing for better risk assessment and informed decision-making.
Employers in Melbourne, WA, benefit from the extensive detection window offered by hair follicle tests. These tests provide insights into long-term drug use, highlighting patterns that shorter detection methods might miss. This information is pivotal for ensuring that workplace policies are upheld and that employees are fit for their roles.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Melbourne, WA: Hair follicle testing in Melbourne, WA, significantly reduces the potential for sample tampering. Providing assured results, this testing method is highly resistant to adulteration attempts, ensuring accurate and reliable outcomes and maintaining the integrity of workplace drug testing programs.
The robustness of hair follicle testing against tampering is a key advantage for employers in Melbourne, WA. By almost eliminating the risk of sample adulteration, companies can have peace of mind knowing that their drug testing results are authentic, allowing them to enforce policies effectively and protect their workplace environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Melbourne, WA: Our extensive network of testing centers ensures quick and easy access to drug testing services in Melbourne, WA. Nationwide and local facilities make it convenient for individuals and businesses to undergo testing without hassle, streamlining the process and minimizing downtime.
With strategic testing locations in and around Melbourne, WA, Accredited Drug Testing provides an accessible solution for drug testing needs. Our network allows for prompt and efficient service delivery, making the testing process straightforward for clients while ensuring their needs are met with ease and efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Melbourne, WA: Accredited Drug Testing offers a straightforward and private mechanism for hair follicle drug tests in Melbourne, WA. The process is designed to be user-friendly, from ordering to result delivery, ensuring that clients’ privacy is protected, and their needs are met smoothly without unnecessary complications.
Our Melbourne, WA, testing services prioritize confidentiality and simplicity. The secure process reassures clients that their information remains private, fostering trust and confidence in the testing procedure. With clear, easy steps to follow, our clients experience a hassle-free testing journey from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Melbourne, WA: At Accredited Drug Testing in Melbourne, WA, we understand the need for cost-effective solutions. With competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, we provide unparalleled value for businesses. Our efficient service guarantees that companies receive timely answers without straining their budgets, promoting responsible decision-making processes.
In Melbourne, WA, our testing services balance affordability with swift turnaround times. We recognize the importance of accessing reliable drug testing data quickly, and our streamlined operations ensure that clients receive results promptly, supporting businesses in maintaining a safe and compliant working environment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Melbourne, WA: Hair follicle drug tests in Melbourne, WA, are known for their swift and precise outcomes. These tests stand out for their ability to accurately trace substance usage, delivering results that employers can trust. This efficiency ensures that companies maintain their standards and address drug use concerns promptly, keeping the workplace safe and productive.
The precision of hair follicle testing eliminates doubts and uncertainties associated with drug testing results. Known for their ability to detect even trace amounts of drugs, these tests ensure that businesses make sound decisions. The reliability of hair follicle testing translates into timely and actionable data, essential for maintaining a productive workforce.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Melbourne, WA: Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures that employers in Melbourne, WA, remain compliant with drug-free workplace regulations. This testing method minimizes legal risks and enhances safety, offering businesses the assurance of a substance-free environment and reducing the potential for workplace accidents and liabilities.
Hair follicle testing strengthens compliance with workplace policies by delivering reliable results that employers in Melbourne, WA, can depend on. This testing method supports a culture of safety and accountability, reducing the risk of drug-related issues and contributing to a positive working environment.