Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Pacific Beach, WA

Employment, DOT, Court Ordered, Personal

Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG

8 Hair Drug Testing Centers in Pacific Beach

737 E Harbor St Ste B14.55 miles

737 E Harbor St Ste B
Warrenton, OR 97146

100 39th St Pier 39 Suite 50416.35 miles

100 39th St Pier 39 Suite 504
Astoria, OR 97103

800 Alder St24.48 miles

800 Alder St
South Bend, WA 98586

614 W Market St44.18 miles

614 W Market St
Aberdeen, WA 98520

915 Anderson Dr44.41 miles

915 Anderson Dr
Aberdeen, WA 98520

1220 Basich Blvd Ste A44.69 miles

1220 Basich Blvd Ste A
Aberdeen, WA 98520

1006 N H St44.80 miles

1006 N H St
Aberdeen, WA 98520

491 River Rd46.16 miles

491 River Rd
Chehalis, WA 98532

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for uncovering the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a record of drug and alcohol use over a prolonged period by embedding biomarkers within its fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug or alcohol use for up to about three months. The collection process of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.

A 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional requests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If no scalp hair is present, an equivalent weight of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (like facial or axillary).

Process Overview

There are four essential stages in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the process of entering a sample into the laboratory’s system. It involves ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing additional data tasks that the electronic custody system does not provide.

Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of misuse. Although cost-effective for negating drug presence in most samples, a positive screening necessitates a confirmatory test for legal acceptability. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a follow-up confirmation.

If screening deems a sample presumptively positive, more hair is drawn from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to examination under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

  • Extended detection period: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for as long as 90 days, whereas urine testing has a more limited detection capability.
  • Challenging to deceive: The difficulty in falsifying a hair drug test enhances accuracy in results.
  • Historical insights: It can trace drug consumption patterns over time, unlike assessments focused solely on recent use.

Limitations:

  • Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5 to 7 days after usage.
  • Higher cost: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other testing methods.
  • Result variability: Factors like hair color variations and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the actual test examines the hair strand, excluding the follicle itself under the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Pacific Beach, WA, hair follicle testing clearly outperforms traditional urine tests by offering enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. The benefits of hair testing encompass longer detection periods and resistance to tampering, ensuring superior results compared to more conventional methods.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Pacific Beach, WA, benefit from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. With the capability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, this method offers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The robustness of hair follicle testing in Pacific Beach, WA, lies in its tamper-resistant nature. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, this method ensures reliable and unquestionable results, making it a trustworthy choice for drug testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Pacific Beach, WA, provide quick, easy access to drug testing services. Our widespread locations ensure hassle-free experiences, whether locally or across the country.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of obtaining, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests in Pacific Beach, WA, is straightforward and confidential. This simplicity addresses privacy concerns and makes the testing procedure user-friendly for all participants.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Pacific Beach, WA, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our affordable rates ensure peace of mind for companies while maintaining high standards of service.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Pacific Beach, WA, hair follicle drug tests are praised for their fast and precise results. The testing method stands out due to its exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use, offering reliable outcomes that can be trusted by individuals and businesses alike.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Pacific Beach, WA, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they are reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety through a reliable testing method.

(800) 221-4291