Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Port Angeles, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have emerged as an effective mechanism for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, fairly hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A hair sample of 1.5 inches containing roughly 200 strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) located nearest to the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not an option, a similar quantity of body hair might be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses other hair varieties (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The procedure for processing drug test outcomes in the lab includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning incorporates the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s framework. This step involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry that might be missing without an electronic chain of custody.

Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive findings necessitate validation to be admissible legally. Any samples flagged as presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation stage.

Should a sample get marked as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration relative to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity involved in hair drug testing.

Confirmation of any initial positive result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples identified as presumptively positive undergo a pre-confirmation wash if required. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is subject to inspection under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can ascertain drug use extending up to 90 days unlike urine tests which offer a shorter window of detection.
• Hard to manipulate: It is exceedingly challenging to skew the results of a hair drug test, thereby enhancing accuracy.
• Chronological data provision: It can reveal a pattern of drug usage over time rather than solely recent intake.

Limitations:

• Incapable of identifying recent consumption: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days post-drug intake.
• Expense: Hair drug screenings are generally costlier compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Result variation potential: Factors like hair hue and individual hair growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often referenced as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Port Angeles, WA, are significant. Hair tests boast superior detection capabilities, reaching back up to 90 days. In contrast, urine tests are only effective for recent detection. Employers and judicial systems benefit from the reliability and precision of hair testing in revealing long-term substance use trends.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing in Port Angeles, WA, is a boon for employers seeking a comprehensive view into an applicant's or employee's substance history. With an ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, this testing method surpasses others in its long-term insight efficacy.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Port Angeles, WA, relies on the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests. By using a method that is nearly impossible to cheat, these tests assure employers and legal systems of reliable and accurate results, significantly minimizing the risk of adulterated samples.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our convenient nationwide and local Port Angeles, WA, testing locations provide straightforward access to hair follicle testing services. Our extensive network makes it easy for anyone needing a test to swiftly locate a center nearby, ensuring hassle-free and timely testing experiences.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Port Angeles, WA, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to results, every step safeguards your privacy, assuring ease of access without compromising the integrity of the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Port Angeles, WA, enjoys affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing, enabling companies of all sizes to benefit from our cost-effective services. This excellent value proposition delivers peace of mind through swift and efficient testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Port Angeles, WA, the accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests offer fast, reliable results, detecting substance use with high precision. The process for analyzing hair spans a wider timeframe, making it unparalleled in both swiftness to performance and trustworthiness of the outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Port Angeles, WA, can gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with stringent drug-free workplace policies. This method aids in reducing legal risks and encompasses a broader scope for maintaining workplace safety, reinforcing a secure and law-abiding environment.

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