Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of approximately three months for alcohol and drug usage. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
An optimal sample size for screening and confirmation is a 1.5-inch length comprised of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, totaling 100mg of hair. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond ten, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s workflow. This phase includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry unless an electronic chain of custody system is used.
The Screening phase involves a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. It's an economical method for excluding drug use in the majority of samples; however, a positive screen must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive samples from Screening require additional confirmation steps.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. In this stage, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is significantly lower compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of hair drug screening procedures.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire process is conducted in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," these assessments evaluate the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair to urine testing in Northwest Snohomish, WA, hair follicle testing emerges as superior. Its advanced detection capabilities clearly surpass those of traditional urine tests. The enhanced reliability and sensitivity of hair analysis secure its position as the preferred choice for many.
Hair tests offer unmatched detection accuracy over urine tests in Northwest Snohomish, WA. They not only reveal a more extended drug use history but also ensure that the testing results are trustworthy and comprehensive.
Hair follicle testing in Northwest Snohomish, WA, features a comprehensive detection window. It monitors drug intake over a span of up to 90 days, providing employers with an extensive backlog of an individual's substance history, crucial for assessing long-term habits.
The robust detection range of hair testing offers employers in Northwest Snohomish, WA, a thorough understanding of an individual's past substance use. This insight is valuable for evaluating the reliability and trustworthiness of potential hires.
Hair follicle tests in Northwest Snohomish, WA, significantly curtail the chances of tampering. Their rigorous method reduces sample adulteration risks, thereby delivering reliable and irrefutable results, critical for making informed decisions.
By minimizing the tampering potential, hair tests in Northwest Snohomish, WA, ensure more credible outcomes. The stringent testing methods ensure that results remain unaltered and trustworthy, vital in critical evaluations.
With locations sprawling nationwide, including Northwest Snohomish, WA, testing has never been more convenient. Our centers deliver effortless access to testing solutions, assuring personnel that the process will be quick, easy, and free from any hassle.
Employers and individuals in Northwest Snohomish, WA, benefit from our expansive network of testing centers. We facilitate an uncomplicated testing experience by providing multiple locations that simplify access to necessary services.
In Northwest Snohomish, WA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results is easily managed while effectively upholding privacy concerns, catering to users' convenience.
The hair follicle testing in Northwest Snohomish, WA, ensures ease of use and confidentiality. With straightforward procedures and secure handling, individuals find solace in knowing their privacy is preserved throughout the testing.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Northwest Snohomish, WA, hair follicle testing provides significant value for diverse businesses. Our affordability and quick results aid companies in making prompt, cost-effective decisions.
Businesses in Northwest Snohomish, WA, benefit from reasonably priced hair testing services and rapid results. This balance of economy and efficiency ensures they obtain unparalleled value and peace of mind.
In Northwest Snohomish, WA, the precision and quick results of hair follicle drug tests stand out. They provide highly reliable outcomes for identifying substance use. The meticulous accuracy of these tests adds to their distinguished reputation, ensuring fast and trustworthy results.
The speed at which hair follicle testing yields results is an advantage for employers and individuals. With accuracy at its core, this testing method efficiently detects substance use, paving the way for informed decisions based on dependable data.
Employers in Northwest Snohomish, WA, gain compliance and assurance using hair follicle testing. This secure method supports drug-free workplace policies, lowering legal risks and fortifying workplace safety, ultimately benefitting the entire workforce.
The use of hair follicle testing aids Northwest Snohomish, WA, employers in maintaining peace of mind through adherence to drug policies. It serves as a proactive measure ensuring a safe and compliant work environment.