Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now widely recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers during the hair's development. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal a timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and confirming substances. For EtG, additional panels, or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be acquired, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into the lab system. This entails confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. While screening is a budget-friendly way to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be used in legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. In this phase, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is noticeably lower compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing Employers in North River, WA are increasingly opting for hair testing over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to detecting recent drug use, hair testing provides extended detection, granting a clearer insight into an individual's substance habits.
Hair tests offer improved accuracy and reliability, a significant advantage for employers enforcing strict no-drug policies. The enhanced detection period ensures that long-term substance use is identified, setting it apart from the short window of urine tests, thus providing comprehensive substance history info.
Extended Detection Window Hair follicle drug testing in North River, WA outperforms other methods by detecting drug use for up to 90 days. This extensive detection period allows employers to observe a long-term history of substance usage, offering a comprehensive insight into the applicant's or employee's habits.
With up to three months of substance history available, employers can make informed decisions backed by concrete data. This in-depth look at potential drug use patterns helps ensure a reliable and consistent workforce, promoting safety and efficiency.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method Hair follicle drug tests in North River, WA offer a secure and tamper-proof option for drug detection. The method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, guaranteeing that the results are valid and trustworthy. Employers can be confident that the test outcomes reflect the true substance use behavior of their candidates or employees.
As a highly reliable option, hair testing stands firm against attempts to cheat the process. The meticulous collection and analysis procedures make it a critical tool for maintaining integrity in testing practices, offering assurance in environments where accuracy is paramount.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations Accredited Drug Testing offers accessible hair follicle testing with centers located nationwide, including North River, WA. The wide network of testing facilities ensures that individuals and businesses can quickly and easily access drug testing services without unnecessary delays.
Our local locations in North River meet the testing needs of community members, providing a cohesive solution that integrates seamlessly into daily operations. This expansive coverage negates travel issues, enhancing the efficiency and convenience of pursuing necessary testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process In North River, WA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward, merging ease of access with confidentiality. The procedure, from ordering a test to getting results, is designed to prioritize user privacy and simplicity, ensuring individuals feel secure throughout.
These confidential practices ensure all steps remain discrete, providing peace of mind. With user-friendly methods and an emphasis on privacy, participants can confidently engage in testing without fearing exposure, receiving their results quickly and securely.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround North River, WA benefits from competitive rates on hair follicle testing, maintaining affordability without sacrificing quality. Our quick turnaround times ensure that the results you receive are prompt, allowing businesses to make informed decisions swiftly.
This combination of cost-effectiveness and prompt results offers exceptional value for organizations, ensuring they uphold high standards while managing budgets efficiently. The balance of price and performance guarantees that all enterprises, irrespective of their size, can access essential testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results hair follicle testing in North River, WA is known for its rapid and precise results. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can accurately determine substance use, delivering results in a timely manner. This speed and accuracy are vital for employers needing quick decisions on hires or compliance checks, ensuring their workforce remains trustworthy and efficient.
The accuracy of hair follicle tests surpasses traditional methods, as hair samples can effectively highlight past drug use without the variability seen in other tests. This precise method ensures employers and professionals receive reliable data, helping maintain a drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers Utilizing hair follicle testing in North River, WA ensures that businesses adhere to legal and company-wide drug policies effortlessly. The reliability of hair testing fosters a secure workplace, minimizing legal risks and promoting overall safety.
This method provides peace of mind to employers, knowing that the drug testing practices they employ align with industry standards and contribute positively to workplace culture. With a clear and consistent testing method, companies can confidently maintain their drug-free policies.