Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can hold a historical record of alcohol and drug presence, with biomarkers getting embedded in its growing fibers. Collected close to the scalp, hair samples can reveal alcohol and drug use over an approximate three-month timeframe. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil), is needed from near the scalp, providing 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is preferred. It's advised to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase, where a sample is entered into a lab's system, ensuring it was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling in any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate a confirmatory procedure.
If the Screening phase yields a presumptive positive, further hair from the original sample is extracted and prepped for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing is a challenging practice.
Any positive Screening outcomes are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples get washed prior to confirmation when needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the process undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Monitor, WA
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine methods by providing a superior detection accuracy. This testing form is favored for its reliability and longer detection window, spanning up to three months. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses are not easily manipulated, offering trustworthy insights into an individual's substance use history.
Extended Detection Window in Monitor, WA
Hair follicle tests offer a notable advantage by identifying drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This broad detection capability equips employers with a more comprehensive understanding of an employee or applicant's substance history, unlike urine tests that cover a far shorter timeframe.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Monitor, WA
Hair follicle testing in Monitor demonstrates a robust ability to minimize sample adulteration risks. Its procedures significantly reduce chances of tampering, yielding reliable and credible results. This secure testing nature ensures transparency and accuracy in drug screening processes.
Finding convenient hair follicle testing in Monitor, WA, is seamless with numerous nationwide testing centers. Our expansive network ensures hassle-free and quick access to testing services, facilitating an effortless process for clients in need of reliable drug testing solutions across various locales.
Simple, Confidential Process in Monitor, WA
Conducting a hair follicle test involves a straightforward and private process. From placing an order to obtaining results, each step is managed with confidentiality and ease. Privacy concerns are well-addressed, ensuring an unobtrusive and user-friendly experience from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Monitor, WA
Benefit from our competitive pricing and swift result delivery. We tailor our rates to match the needs of companies of all sizes, ensuring great value and expeditious turnaround times, which instill confidence and satisfaction among our clients seeking drug testing services.
In Monitor, WA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests excel in precision, adeptly detecting various substances used over time. With high accuracy rates, they present a dependable choice for uncovering substance usage, offering swift results which support their reputability as a premier analysis solution.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Monitor, WA
Adopting hair follicle testing supports workplace drug-free policy adherence, lowering legal risks and promoting safety. This testing method fosters compliance, providing employers with assurance and peace of mind regarding their operational standards and employee guidelines.