Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Milan, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the growing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, a hair sample can offer as much as a three-month detection span for both alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, manipulation is challenging, and transportation is convenient.

A 1.5-inch cutting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimum sample quantity for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the specimen. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent portion of body hair can be taken. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four principal stages in the lab processing a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

In the Accessioning phase, a sample undergoes initial processing to be integrated into a laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming the sample's proper seal and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any additional data entry not provided electronically.

Screening engages in a swift preliminary analysis for drug compounds. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive result calls for confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction, where substances are drawn out from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other processes (such as urine or saliva tests), posing a significant challenge.

Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. Each phase, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair testing can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, whereas urine tests feature a more limited detection timeframe.
• Hard to falsify: Altering the outcome of a hair drug test is very challenging, ensuring more reliable results.
• Reveals usage pattern: Offers insight into a history of drug use over time instead of just recent evidence.

Limitations:

• Doesn't detect recent drug use: Drugs become detectable in hair only after 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair tests tend to be pricier than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates might alter drug metabolite concentrations.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Milan, WA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it a preferred choice. Hair testing effectively uncovers comprehensive drug use history, enhancing accuracy over urine-based methods.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Milan, WA, is a key advantage, revealing drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This provides employers with a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, supporting informed decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Milan, WA, offer a tamper-resistant testing method, reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This ensures more trustworthy results, greatly enhancing the credibility of the testing process.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our testing centers, including those in Milan, WA, offer convenient nationwide testing locations. Access to testing services is quick, easy, and hassle-free, ensuring a seamless experience for all involved.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Milan, WA, our hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. We address privacy concerns and guarantee ease of use, ensuring clients can order, take, and receive results with complete confidence.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

The pricing in Milan, WA, for hair follicle tests is affordable with fast turnaround. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive rates and swift results, offering excellent value and reassurance.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Milan, WA, promise fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are known for their precision and speed, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use, which sets them apart in the field of drug testing.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Milan, WA, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, this method supports a healthier work environment.

Drug Testing Near Milan, WA

Milan, WA