Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. It offers a comprehensive timeline of drug and alcohol presence by embedding biomarkers in the hair strand as it grows. When collected from the scalp closely, it can reveal up to a 3-month usage history of drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and is easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for initial screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is best to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we mention head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug tests encompasses four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the beginning of a sample's processing within a laboratory framework. This phase involves validating that the sample remains sealed and correctly dispatched, the assignment of a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug usage in the bulk of samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Samples yielding a presumptive positive outcome in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
When a sample is presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, hair is analyzed for drugs at notably lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), which underscores the challenging nature of hair drug analysis.
Any positive Screening results must be confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is of the hair strand, excluding the scalp-embedded hair follicle.
In Montesano, WA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by demonstrating better detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are known for their longer detection window and are favored by organizations enforcing drug-free environments. With this testing method, employers gain a more reliable insight compared to the limited scope of urine tests.
The hair follicle drug test in Montesano, WA offers an unparalleled detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers to see a comprehensive account of an individual's substance history. This extended period is crucial for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace environment and making well-informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Montesano, WA proves to be a tamper-resistant method, greatly minimizing the risk of altering sample integrity. Because the procedure is closely monitored and difficult to manipulate, it provides dependable and unquestioned outcomes, setting a high standard of trust and dependability.
With testing centers scattered throughout the nation, including key locations in Montesano, WA, we ensure convenience and accessibility. Our vast network facilitates prompt, straightforward access to testing services, removing barriers and simplifying the testing process for users.
The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Montesano, WA is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the entire procedure respects privacy and is streamlined to alleviate any concerns, ensuring a smooth, user-friendly experience.
In Montesano, WA, our hair follicle testing not only promises competitive pricing but also swift turnaround times. Businesses of varying scales can find economical solutions alongside prompt results, making it a highly valuable service that fosters confidence and satisfaction.
When it comes to fast and precise drug testing in Montesano, WA, hair follicle tests set the standard. Accuracy and efficiency define this testing method, offering significant advantages over traditional alternatives. These tests are not only rapid but precise in detecting substance use, giving dependable results that employers trust.
Employers in Montesano, WA can find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By choosing this method, businesses reduce legal liabilities and enhance workplace security, knowing their testing approach aligns with compliance standards.
