Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximately 3-month timeframe for the detection of alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This includes confirming the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary quick evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to be valid in a legal context. Samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive results from screening is performed using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nighthawk, WA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. In Nighthawk, WA, the expansive timeline of hair tests provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, surpassing urine tests that are limited to recent use.
Extended Detection Window in Nighthawk, WA
Hair follicle testing boasts a detection period of up to 90 days, allowing employers in Nighthawk, WA, to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's drug use history. This extended window offers an unprecedented glimpse into long-term substance patterns, essential for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nighthawk, WA
The design of hair follicle tests significantly minimizes tampering risks, providing reliable results. Nighthawk's advanced facilities ensure the integrity of each sample, preventing adulteration and guaranteeing unquestionable outcomes in substance testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Nighthawk, WA
Our extensive network of nationwide centers ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing. In Nighthawk, WA, individuals and employers benefit from quick and hassle-free services, simplifying the testing process and maximizing efficiency.
Simple, Confidential Process in Nighthawk, WA
Our Nighthawk testing centers offer a simple and confidential process for handling hair follicle tests. Seamless ordering, sample collection, and result delivery ensure privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns about discretion and user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nighthawk, WA
Competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make our services in Nighthawk highly attractive to businesses of all sizes. We provide excellent value for comprehensive testing needs, ensuring clients receive cost-effective results without compromising on quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nighthawk, WA
Hair follicle testing provides fast and precise results essential for detecting substance use accurately. Testing centers in Nighthawk offer top-notch services, utilizing hair tests that ensure high accuracy in identifying drug presence. The method stands out for its ability to deliver reliable results swiftly, crucial for timely evaluations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Nighthawk, WA
Adopting hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free policies in Nighthawk, reducing legal risks and fostering workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind knowing testing enhances their company's integrity and environment.
