Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by securing biomarkers in the hair's fibers. When collected near the scalp, a hair sample can offer approximately a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample size for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It’s recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. Head hair denotes only scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary check for drug presence. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to negate drug use in most samples, positive results from Screening must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Any samples that register as presumptive positives during Screening require further confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Preparation in Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than found in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), underscoring the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation for any positive Screening results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, although the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The clear edge of hair follicle testing over urine tests lies in its superior detection accuracy. In Newcastle, WA, this has become a significant factor for those prioritizing reliable drug detection. Unlike urine tests that offer a limited detection window, hair tests cover a more extended period, enhancing their effectiveness. Better insights derived from hair testing assist in making informed decisions.
Furthermore, hair follicle testing is less susceptible to manipulation, providing unquestionable accuracy in the results. This contrasts with urine testing, which can be more easily compromised, thus affecting the validity of findings. The lasting detection window in hair testing makes it a preferred choice for comprehensive analysis.
Using hair follicle testing in Newcastle, WA, offers the benefit of a longer drug detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This extended period provides comprehensive insights into an individual's drug use history, which is invaluable for concise evaluations by employers. Looking back further than urine tests can, hair testing paints a clearer picture of substance use over time.
The prolonged detection window is instrumental in assessing potential risks posed by applicants or employees. Employers find reassurance in receiving detailed data about an individual's habits, aiding in making well-informed employment decisions that prioritize workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
In Newcastle, WA, hair follicle testing is a robust method against sample tampering, enhancing the integrity of drug testing results. Tampering with hair samples is considerably more complicated than with other methods such as urine testing. Reliable results from hair tests ensure that the validity of test outcomes remains intact, reducing doubts.
Employers and individuals can rely on hair follicle testing for uncompromised analysis of substance use. The collection process and analysis methodology reduce the likelihood of adulteration, enhancing overall confidence in the outcomes. This makes it a preferred choice for those looking for authentic results.
Newcastle, WA, benefits from a comprehensive network of testing centers, ensuring quick and easy access to hair follicle testing services. The convenience of nationwide locations makes it simple for locals and businesses to hassle-free testing, with reliable services available just nearby. This proximity facilitates swift scheduling and results without needing extensive travel.
Having accessible testing locations eliminates logistical challenges associated with other testing methods. For Newcastle residents and companies, convenience is paramount, and our accessible centers serve to streamline the entire drug testing process, adding to overall efficiency and satisfaction.
In Newcastle, WA, hair follicle testing is characterized by its simple and confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to ensure ease of access and confidentiality. The streamlined process alleviates privacy concerns, offering peace of mind to those undergoing testing and those requiring results.
Concerns about privacy are addressed seriously, making secure testing an integral part of the process. Hair testing procedures are non-intrusive and designed to protect individual dignity while delivering conclusive findings in a manner considerate of user convenience and discretion.
Delivering competitive pricing in Newcastle, WA, our hair follicle testing services offer exceptional value for companies of any size. Our objective is to combine affordability with reliable testing, ensuring that cost-efficiency does not compromise quality. Fast turnaround times further enhance our services' appeal.
Employers and individuals benefit from the quick results our services provide, maintaining workplace productivity and safety. Our comprehensive pricing structures are designed to fit variably scaled operations, reinforcing our commitment to affordability while delivering fast outcomes efficiently.
In Newcastle, WA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swift turnaround times, making them a dependable choice for detecting substance use. Accurate results are essential, and hair testing delivers just that, ensuring confidence in the outcomes. Fast processing ensures quick availability of results, which is crucial for timely decision-making.
The reliability of hair follicle testing is unmatched, thanks to state-of-the-art techniques used in the process. This ensures that the results provided are trustworthy and well-analyzed, minimizing any potential errors. Such accuracy reinforces the efficiency of this method compared to alternatives like urine testing.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Newcastle, WA, assists employers in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies, providing significant peace of mind. The enhanced scrutiny offered by hair tests bolsters companies' ability to adhere to strict regulations. Reducing legal risks, such testing techniques contribute to a safer and more regulatory-compliant work environment.
Additionally, companies benefit from peace of mind knowing that they are employing individuals who adhere to company policies. This reduces legal liabilities and supports a more secure workplace atmosphere, crucial for sustaining productivity and safety for all employees.