Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Globally recognized, hair testing is valued as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a chronological record of drug and alcohol use by embedding markers within the fibers of the maturing hair shaft. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to three months for both alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, fairly resistant to tampering, and convenient to dispatch.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, can yield around 100mg of hair, forming the optimum sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, or panels exceeding 10, it is advisable to obtain 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
Key phases in the processing of a drug test outcome within a laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing phase where a sample becomes part of a laboratory’s system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and ensures any further data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for misuse of drugs. Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples; however, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for court acceptance. Samples with presumed positive screening must go through a secondary confirmation.
A sample showing a presumptive positive in the Screening step results in additional hair being extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), giving hair drug testing the reputation of being the most challenging method to perform.
Any positive result obtained from screening goes through Confirmation using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each sample with an initial positive indication is cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Metaline, WA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing excels in accuracy and reliability. The prolonged detection window of hair testing captures substance use history comprehensively, allowing a more detailed assessment of individual consumption patterns. This method often outperforms urine tests, which generally cover shorter periods, ensuring detection even after substances have left the body.
Extended Detection Window in Metaline, WA
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection capacity—up to 90 days—giving a thorough view of substance use over time. This longer window provides a broader perspective on an individual’s history, aiding employers in evaluating a potential candidate or current employee more effectively. It surpasses the limited timeframe offered by alternate testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Metaline, WA
The hair follicle testing method significantly lowers the likelihood of sample tampering. Due to this resistance to adulteration, the results are consistently reliable and beyond question. This makes hair testing an ideal choice for ensuring authentic results, safeguarding the credibility of the drug screening process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Metaline, WA
Access to testing services is streamlined through our extensive network of nationwide centers, including local options in Metaline, WA. This ensures seamless and hassle-free testing experiences, accommodating needs promptly and efficiently. The convenience of these locations supports swift and accessible testing procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Metaline, WA
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing involve a straightforward, confidential process. Designed to prioritize privacy and ease, individuals are reassured of the simplicity involved, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality or procedural complexities effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Metaline, WA
Our pricing structures for hair follicle testing remain competitive, paired with rapid processing times. This provides substantial value for companies of varied scales, ensuring quality testing without financial burdens. The quick turnaround contributes to smooth planning and operations for employers.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Metaline, WA
Hair follicle drug tests deliver rapid, precise, and trustworthy outcomes. Known for their high accuracy, these tests effectively reveal substance intake, offering reliable data for decision-making. The quick turnaround time enhances the convenience and dependability of hair follicle testing, giving employers and authorities assurance in the results obtained.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Metaline, WA
Employers gain immense reassurance from utilizing hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace protocols. It minimizes legal liabilities and fosters a safer work environment. This testing choice underlines commitment to policy compliance, reducing risks and enhancing peace of mind.
