Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fiber of the developing hair shaft. Collected close to the scalp, hair can present a detection period for alcohol and drugs spanning up to nearly three months. It's straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of roughly 200 strands (equivalent to the girth of a #2 pencil), amounts to 100mg of hair, which is ideal for preliminary and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The principal phases involved in processing a drug test through the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process verifies that the sample has been sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not provide.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening offers an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admission. Any samples indicating a potential positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases where a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging procedure.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to confirmation, as required. The full laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is appraised under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Olympic View, WA, hair follicle testing offers distinctive benefits compared to traditional urine tests. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy, capable of identifying drug use over an extended period. The reliability of this method surpasses that of urine analysis, ensuring more consistent and robust results. Hence, individuals and organizations seeking precise testing often favor the hair method.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window, covering up to 90 days of drug use history. In Olympic View, WA, this allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use, better understanding their suitability for a role. This long-term detection capability provides a clearer picture of behavior compared to shorter-term methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing drastically reduces the chances of sample adulteration. In Olympic View, WA, this method ensures reliable and indisputable results due to its inherent resistance against manipulation. Hair tests eliminate the common cheating methods associated with other testing avenues, thereby providing a robust tool in the fight against substance abuse.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing services across the nation, including in Olympic View, WA. The accessibility of local centers guarantees quick and hassle-free service, making it easier for individuals and businesses to meet their testing needs without unnecessary delays or travel.
Simple, Confidential Process
The process for hair follicle testing in Olympic View, WA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, all steps are straightforward and prioritize privacy. This seamless approach alleviates concerns about data protection and ensures a user-friendly experience for all involved parties.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Olympic View, WA, our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing are unmatched. Companies of all sizes appreciate the value offered by our services, which combine affordability with efficiency. This approach ensures organizations can maintain standards without excessive costs or waiting periods.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
The precision and quick processing of hair follicle drug testing in Olympic View, WA, make it a superior choice for substance detection. This method showcases remarkable accuracy in identifying drug use, providing peace of mind with its reliable results. Unlike other testing methods, hair testing ensures a thorough analysis, confirming the presence of drugs with minimal room for error.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Olympic View, WA, can ensure complete compliance with drug-free workplace policies by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method minimizes legal risks while enhancing overall workplace safety. By opting for this robust testing type, employers maintain high standards and ensure a safer, healthier work environment, giving them peace of mind.
