Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair fibers, hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage. When taken near the scalp, hair can present a detection window for alcohol and drugs spanning approximately three months. It is easy to gather, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, representing the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For testing such as EtG, add-ons, and/or beyond ten panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair may be used instead. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This comprises confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial, rapid evaluation for drugs of misuse. Though cost-effective in excluding drug use in numerous samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are leached from hair at a substantially lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspect positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the review standards set by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Millwood, WA stands out due to its exceptional detection accuracy when compared to urine tests. This method offers superior reliability, capturing drug history over a more extended time frame.
While urine tests are common, hair testing uncovers substance use with reduced risk of manipulation. Employers appreciate this accuracy as a means of upholding zero-tolerance policies effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Millwood, WA offers an expanded look-back period up to 90 days. This feature provides a comprehensive assessment of drug use, benefitting employers seeking an extensive history.
Such a testing window means that employers gain a full picture of an individual's substance history, far surpassing what urine tests can offer.
In Millwood, WA, hair follicle testing proves to be a fortification against sample tampering. The nature of this method significantly curtails attempts at adulteration, assuring the integrity of test results.
This approach solidifies the trustworthiness of the outcomes, which is critical in maintaining fairness and accuracy.
The availability of numerous testing centers across Millwood, WA ensures that accessing drug testing services is convenient and hassle-free.
The local and nationwide presence guarantees affordable and prompt access, enabling organizations to meet their testing needs seamlessly.
The process for undergoing hair follicle testing in Millwood, WA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step is discreet and user-friendly.
By maintaining confidentiality, this method ensures that privacy concerns are respected and that the process remains straightforward.
Millwood, WA's drug testing services feature competitive pricing and expedited turnaround times. This affords businesses excellent value by balancing cost-effectiveness with the reliability of quick results.
This approach underpins a solid efficacy ratio, offering peace of mind for organizations of varied sizes seeking rapid and affordable solutions.
In Millwood, WA, hair follicle testing is synonymous with speed and accuracy. These tests ensure precise detection of substance use, thereby providing quick and dependable results.
The process is engineered for efficiency, allowing employers and individuals to receive actionable insights rapidly. By focusing on the high accuracy of this method, confidence in handling drug screening can be truly established.
By opting for hair follicle tests, employers in Millwood, WA enhance adherence to drug-free workplace standards, thus minimizing legal risks. This method also fosters a safer work environment.
Implementing such rigorous testing supports comprehensive compliance, offering peace of mind through diligent substance monitoring.
