Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair's structure. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hairs (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides around 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For comprehensive tests such as EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. By "head hair," we mean only scalp hair. "Body hair" refers to all other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The process for analyzing drug test samples in a lab involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with prepping a sample for entry into the lab’s systems. This involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves a preliminary inspection for potential drug abuse. While it's budget-friendly and rules out drug use for most samples, any positive findings in Screening must undergo further confirmation before being deemed valid for legal proceedings. Samples appearing positive initially in Screening need additional verification.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations than with other testing types (like urine or saliva), making hair analysis one of the most intricate methods.
Confirmed positive screening results are verified using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Potential positives undergo washing before confirming, if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under oversight by both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strands, not the follicle under the skin.
In Nile, WA, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy. Hair tests boast a significant edge in identifying substances over a more extended period, reducing the chances of false negatives. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent use, hair testing provides a comprehensive view, ensuring reliable results.
Hair follicle tests in Nile, WA, provide an extended detection window that spans up to 90 days. This gives employers insight into an applicant's long-term substance use history, setting it apart from shorter-range methods like urine testing. By offering a broader detection span, employers can better evaluate potential candidates or monitor current employees effectively.
In Nile, WA, hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant approach, significantly reducing the potential for sample adulteration. Due to the nature of hair tests, altering results becomes exceedingly challenging, ensuring results that are reliable and unquestionable. This method provides peace of mind that the outcomes are genuine and dependable.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide facilities, including strategic locations in Nile, WA. Our network ensures that individuals and businesses can access our services with ease, offering a quick and hassle-free testing experience at local centers, making hair follicle drug testing more accessible than ever before.
In Nile, WA, the process for hair follicle testing remains simple and confidential. Users can easily order tests, complete them with privacy, and receive results swiftly. This approach addresses privacy concerns, ensuring that individuals experience an efficient and discreet testing method that respects confidentiality.
In Nile, WA, our hair follicle drug testing is characterized by affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times. Companies of all sizes can benefit from competitive rates and prompt results, ensuring excellent value. This balance of cost-effectiveness and speed offers organizations peace of mind in their testing processes.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug testing in Nile, WA, is unmatched. Hair tests provide precise results in detecting substance use. This method excels in speed and accuracy, ensuring reliable identification of drug usage. The immediacy and reliability of these tests make them a trusted choice for both employers and individuals, offering fast, accurate outcomes that stand out in the industry.
For employers in Nile, WA, opting for hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing legal protection and safety. This method bolsters confidence that workplace regulations are effectively upheld, reducing risks and fostering an environment of peace of mind through comprehensive screening.
