Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The detection of drug and alcohol usage has seen substantial advancements through hair testing. Hair serves as a record, capturing biomarkers of substances within the growing fiber strands. When cut close to the scalp, it presents a detection window of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to collect, quite resilient against tampering, and simple to mail.
An optimal sample involves a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp, equaling 100mg, ideal for screening and confirming findings. For EtG tests, additional panels, or more than 10-panel screenings, 150mg is advised. The sample should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result includes four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory stage, incorporating the sample into a lab's system. This stage ensures the sample is sealed and transported correctly, allocates a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any lacking data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary inspection for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation to be court-eligible. Samples that are presumptively positive in the screening necessitate a second confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), contributing to its complexity.
Confirmation for any positive result from Screening is managed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if essential. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Widely known as "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the strands rather than the follicles underneath the scalp.
In Onalaska, WA, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine tests are evident. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair testing provides higher detection accuracy and reliability. The method's robustness stems from its ability to unveil traces of substance use that remain hidden in urine tests, making it an optimal choice for both employers and legal entities needing a complete analysis of substance history.
Hair follicle testing in Onalaska, WA, uncovers drug use for up to 90 days, offering a detailed view of an individual's substance habits. This prolonged detection window is invaluable for employers seeking an in-depth evaluation of applicants' or employees' historical drug use. It ensures that substance usage patterns over a significant period are not overlooked, aiding informed decision-making.
With hair follicle testing in Onalaska, WA, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced, providing credible results. This method stands as a robust defense against tampering, ensuring the integrity of the testing process. The difficulty in circumventing this testing technique quietly instills confidence in the results, supporting a trustworthy assessment of substance use.
In Onalaska, WA, our extensive network of testing locations facilitates convenience and accessibility. With national and local centers, obtaining a hair follicle test is quick and straightforward. This extensive coverage ensures that wherever the need arises, reliable testing is within reach, making it as streamlined as possible for all involved.
The hair follicle testing process in Onalaska, WA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to testing and result retrieval, every step ensures the privacy of individuals tested. The straightforward approach alleviates concerns and guarantees an efficient experience, respecting both the dignity and privacy of all participants.
Onalaska, WA, enjoys competitive pricing and quick turnaround times on hair follicle tests. The affordable structure accommodates diverse budget needs, ensuring maximum value. This efficiency doesn't compromise on quality, proving that top-tier service is accessible, providing companies of varying sizes peace of mind regarding costs and results.
In Onalaska, WA, hair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled precision and speed. The accuracy of this method in uncovering substance use sets it apart. Within a short timeframe, results arrive crafted to detect even minimal traces of substance use, showcasing its reliability and efficiency. For employers seeking the fastest, most accurate results, hair testing provides unmatched thoroughness and dependability.
Hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Onalaska, WA, offering peace of mind to employers. Implementing such comprehensive testing decreases legal risks and fosters a safer work environment. Businesses benefit from maintaining rigorous drug-free protocols, promoting a trustworthy and secure workplace atmosphere.
