Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verification. For EtG, supplemental tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. Mention of head hair specifies scalp hair exclusively, while body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial integration into the laboratory framework. This encompasses ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to negate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen needs validation to be court-admissible. Samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample seems positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction stage. In this stage, drugs are retrieved from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation when needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Purdy, WA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection and reliability, making it ideal for discerning employers and legal authorities.
Extended Detection Window in Purdy, WA
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair tests offer a thorough overview of an individual's drug history, valuable for employment and compliance decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Purdy, WA
Hair follicle tests are highly resistant to adulteration, guaranteeing integrity and reliability in drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Purdy, WA
Our widespread testing centers enhance convenience, offering effortless and prompt access to drug testing services across the country.
Simple, Confidential Process in Purdy, WA
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and ensures privacy, offering ease and confidentiality from order to results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Purdy, WA
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times provide excellent value, accommodating businesses of all sizes with cost-effective drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Purdy, WA
Hair follicle drug tests are unmatched in precision and speed. Their high accuracy in detecting substances makes them a preferred choice for reliable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Purdy, WA
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing's role in maintaining a compliant and safe workplace, mitigating legal concerns and ensuring a drug-free environment.
