Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by encasing biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can deliver a detection span of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect hair samples, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil), taken nearest to the scalp, equates to 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests above 10 panels, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. In the context of head hair, this specifically concerns scalp hair. Body hair describes any other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of analyzing a drug test outcome in a lab consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s infrastructure. This step includes ensuring the sample has been properly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input that isn't covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment to detect drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach for dismissing drug usage in most samples, any positive result in the screening stage must be validated to be legally acceptable. Any samples that are potentially positive during Screening require an additional confirmation stage.
If a sample appears positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is collected from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. In this process, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is significantly lower compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug tests are the most intricate to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All positive samples undergo washing before the confirmation process, as deemed necessary. The comprehensive lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the testing procedure actually examines the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pataha, WA
The precision of hair testing surpasses urine tests, with a detection period extending up to 90 days. This serves as a major advantage when assessing long-term substance use. Hair tests provide a clearer, more reliable picture of an individual's history, making them a preferred choice for accurate insights.
Unlike urine tests, hair testing is less susceptible to attempts at falsification. This inherent resistance to manipulation makes it a more reliable option for monitoring substance use. Its superior detection capabilities and integrity position hair testing as a benchmark in drug testing methodologies.
Extended Detection Window in Pataha, WA
Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional urine tests.
This longer detection span is particularly advantageous for employers aiming to ensure a drug-free workplace. By analyzing hair samples, companies gain insights into an individual’s substance use over an extended timeline, aiding in better-informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pataha, WA
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, offering results that are both reliable and unquestionable. This testing method significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results reflect true substance use history.
Employers and legal entities can trust hair testing's integrity, as the process inherently guards against manipulation. The rigorous protocol guarantees that results are an accurate representation, maintaining the credibility and dependability of the testing procedure.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pataha, WA
Our widespread network of testing centers ensures that high-quality hair follicle testing is accessible nationwide, including in Pataha, WA. The convenience of our locations allows individuals and companies to access services quickly and without hassle.
With numerous centers available, gaining access to our testing services has never been easier. This breadth of availability ensures that both local and national clients can experience the seamless testing process with minimal disruption to their schedules.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pataha, WA
The process of hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and discreet, ensuring confidentiality at every stage. From ordering the test to obtaining the results, our procedures prioritize the privacy and comfort of all clients.
This commitment to confidentiality is integral to our service, and it reassures clients that their information is handled with care. The simplicity of the process, coupled with our focus on privacy, makes hair testing an appealing choice for those concerned about discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pataha, WA
Our competitive pricing structures make hair follicle testing an economically viable option for businesses, regardless of size. The fast turnaround time ensures results are delivered promptly, adding value through both cost efficiency and timeliness.
Companies can benefit from the cost-effectiveness of our services without sacrificing quality. The prompt delivery of results ensures businesses can make timely decisions, reinforcing the overall value and reliability of our testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pataha, WA
Hair follicle testing stands out for its rapid and precise identification of substance use, offering unparalleled accuracy compared to other methods. This method provides results that are not only fast but assuredly reliable, cementing its reputation as a trusted choice in detecting a wide array of substances.
Employers and individuals alike benefit from hair testing's efficiency. The testing process is streamlined yet thorough, offering a high level of confidence in the outcomes. This precision ensures that decisions made based on these results are well-informed and dependable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pataha, WA
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists employers in adhering to drug-free workplace policies, significantly diminishing legal risks while promoting a safer working environment. Compliance is key, and hair testing offers assurance that policies are effectively enforced.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing they're using a method that aligns with stringent compliance standards. This peace of mind extends to the workplace, where safety and policy adherence are top priorities, supported by reliable and thorough testing protocols.
