Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended history by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair delivers a detection period of up to about 90 days for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hairs (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair isn’t accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not submitted via an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples showing a presumptive positive require further confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging method to implement.
Confirmation for any positive screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests," the examination analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Oak Harbor, WA.
Hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests in Oak Harbor, WA. Its ability to offer higher detection accuracy, along with a longer historical detection window, makes it the preferred choice. Individuals in need of reliable substance use detection can depend on hair testing for dependable results.
Extended Detection Window in Oak Harbor, WA.
Hair follicle testing expands the detection window for drug use to as long as 90 days, providing employers in Oak Harbor, WA with a far-reaching overview of an employee's or applicant's substance history.
This prolonged detection period allows for an in-depth understanding of behavior, crucial for making informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Oak Harbor, WA.
Hair follicle tests significantly cut down the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring unquestionable and accurate results.
This method guarantees the integrity of the testing process, providing reliable testing outcomes for substance use detection in Oak Harbor, WA.
Convenient Testing in Oak Harbor, WA and Beyond.
Our nationwide and local testing centers in Oak Harbor, WA ensure easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing.
The convenience of having accessible testing locations provides quick and seamless service to meet various testing needs efficiently.
Simple and Confidential Process in Oak Harbor, WA.
The simple and private procedure for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results alleviates privacy concerns.
In Oak Harbor, WA, this straightforward process ensures usability and protects individual confidentiality, allowing for stress-free testing experiences.
Competitive Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oak Harbor, WA.
In Oak Harbor, WA, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times deliver impressive value for organizations of various sizes.
The affordability and convenience facilitate access to reliable drug testing, ensuring a prudent investment in employee safety.
Precision and Speed in Oak Harbor, WA.
In Oak Harbor, WA, hair follicle drug tests provide results that are both precise and prompt. They offer unmatched accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that you receive trustworthy data.
This method is highly regarded for its ability to swiftly deliver reliable outcomes, offering peace of mind with every test conducted.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oak Harbor, WA.
Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in Oak Harbor, WA in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks, and enhancing overall safety.
With drug testing that aligns with compliance needs, employers can trust that their work environments remain secure and compliant.
