Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Through capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair can display a detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs spanning up to about 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it’s advised to have 150mg of the sample. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be utilized. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps involved in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the introductory processing of a sample within a lab’s system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to dismiss drug usage across the bulk of samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive finding during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores why hair drug screening is the most demanding methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being occasionally termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle underneath the scalp
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle tests offer a significant edge over traditional urine tests, especially in North Beach, WA. Hair testing demonstrates superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing drug use over a broader window. This ensures employers and authorities can trust the results for informed decision-making.
In North Beach, WA, one of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Hair analysis can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, offering employers a comprehensive overview of substance usage. This extensive timeframe empowers better decision-making about employee and applicant histories.
Hair follicle testing in North Beach, WA, significantly mitigates the risks associated with sample adulteration. Hair tests provide reliable and tamper-resistant results, ensuring the authenticity of findings and maintaining trust in the testing process. Such integrity is crucial for accurate substance use assessments.
The convenience of nationwide and local testing centers in North Beach, WA, simplifies the drug testing process. With numerous locations available, accessing drug testing services becomes a quick and stress-free experience, facilitating efficient substance detection across varied locales.
The hair follicle drug testing process in North Beach, WA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to be straightforward. Privacy concerns are addressed, ensuring individuals feel secure and respected throughout the testing process.
Hair follicle drug testing at Affordable rates and with swift results makes it an attractive option for businesses in North Beach, WA. Competitive pricing structures combined with quick turnaround times offer companies outstanding value, ensuring they receive quality service without compromising on budget or efficiency.
The precision and speed offered by hair follicle drug testing in North Beach, WA, make it a preferable choice for many. Hair tests provide rapid and highly accurate detection of substance use, ensuring that individuals face timely and fair assessments. This efficiency highlights why more institutions are turning to hair testing for dependable results.
Employers in North Beach, WA, can benefit from the compliance and peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing. Utilizing this method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal exposure. Hair testing thus supports a safer and more compliant work environment.
