Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within its growing strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair can signal up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, quite resistant to tampering, and easily mailed.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hairs (similar to a #2 pencil's width) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for testing. For EtG, extras, and/or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing. If scalp hair is missing, a similar volume of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps involved in lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into a lab’s framework. It entails verifying the sample's secure seal and proper shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data not included through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a swift preliminary check for substance abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient way to rule out drug presence in most samples; however, a positive result must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Samples that are initially positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a positive result during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, substances are retrieved from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initial positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation if required. Every stage, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criterion and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Nordland, WA, is a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. These tests provide a wider detection window, allowing for a more thorough assessment of substance use. Their unmatched accuracy and reliability make them a preferred choice for many, effectively outperforming urine tests in identifying long-term drug use.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Nordland, WA, is a game changer for employers. By capturing drug use over a period of up to 90 days, these tests offer a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, aiding in informed employment decisions and enhancing workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing in Nordland, WA, significantly reduces the risk of tampering with samples. These tests provide reliable and indisputable results, as hair samples are incredibly difficult to adulterate compared to other methods, ensuring accurate detection and maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
With locations throughout the nation and in Nordland, WA, accessing hair follicle testing has never been more convenient. Our numerous testing centers are designed to provide quick, straightforward, and hassle-free testing services, ensuring that meeting drug testing requirements is seamless for all.
In Nordland, WA, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet. From scheduling the appointment to receiving the results, every step is handled with confidentiality, alleviating concerns about privacy and highlighting the ease of this method for both testers and those being tested.
Nordland, WA, offers hair follicle testing at competitive prices, with impressive turnaround times that deliver results swiftly. Companies benefit from the cost-effective solutions provided by this testing method, which balances affordability with the assurance of prompt and accurate results.
In Nordland, WA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their quick and precise outcomes. These tests boast remarkable accuracy, especially in identifying substance abuse, setting a high standard for drug detection methods. Their rapid result delivery ensures that decisions can be made swiftly, maintaining workplace safety and integrity.
Employers in Nordland, WA, benefit greatly from hair follicle testing, which helps ensure adherence to drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and fosters a safer work environment, offering peace of mind through its dependable compliance with industry standards.
