Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an essential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a timeline of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When hair is sampled close to the scalp, it can show a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to mail.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in bulk to a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is an option. References to head hair pertain strictly to scalp hair, whereas body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial sample processing into the lab's system. This step checks that the sample container was sealed and transported appropriately, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. Whilst screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug presence for numerous samples, a screen indicating positive must be validated for legal proceedings. Samples deemed presumptive positive via screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If screening detects a presumed positive, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are secluded from hair at a lower concentration than seen in other tests (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a complex procedure.
Any positive outcome from screening is verified using methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation when needed. The whole laboratory processing, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair article and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Methow, WA, proves superior to traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. Where urine tests are limited, hair testing provides a more comprehensive view of substance use, making it a preferred option for employers and professionals seeking stringent drug testing measures.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, up to 90 days, provides a broader perspective on an individual's substance use history in Methow, WA. This long-term detection capability enables employers to gain a deeper understanding of their employee or applicant's behavior, ensuring informed hiring and management decisions.
Tamper-resistance is a key feature of hair follicle testing in Methow, WA. This method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, yielding results that are consistently reliable and unquestionable. This reduction in tampering aligns with the needs of entities requiring trustworthy drug testing solutions.
With numerous testing centers across the nation, including in Methow, WA, our convenient nationwide locations make accessing hair follicle testing services straightforward. This ease of access ensures that testing is quick, efficient, and stress-free regardless of your location.
In Methow, WA, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step respects privacy while maintaining ease of use. Addressing privacy concerns is pivotal, and our process is streamlined for user confidence.
Our affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests in Methow, WA, ensure that companies of any size can benefit from reliable drug testing without a strain on resources. This combination of cost-effectiveness and speed offers exceptional value to employers.
In Methow, WA, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are highly precise, quickly identifying substance use and ensuring credibility in outcomes. With this method, both employers and individuals are assured of dependable results that aid in informed decision-making processes.
Hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind to employers in Methow, WA. By incorporating this testing method, workplaces can ensure adherence to drug-free policies, significantly decrease legal risks, and enhance workplace safety, making it an indispensable tool for organizational health.