Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Richland, WA

What it is, How it works

The assessment of hair as an investigative instrument for detecting substance and alcohol intake has gained recognition. By trapping biomarkers into the fibers, hair records a prolonged chronicle of drug and alcohol usage. When gathered near the scalp, it offers a detection span of about three months for substances and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.

A sample of 1.5 inches, nearly 200 hair strands (roughly akin to the width of a #2 pencil) from the closest to the scalp produces 100mg, which serves as the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or beyond 10-panel screenings, it is advisable to obtain 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair not be accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair particularly denote scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types, including facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

Laboratory processing for drug test results follows four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

The first phase, Accessioning, involves incorporating the sample into a laboratory’s system, verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing outstanding data not addressed by an e-chain of custody framework.

Screening commences with a swift assessment for drug traces. While it's a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug presence in most samples, courtroom admissibility requires that any positive Screening findings undergo confirmation. Presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.

In cases of a presumptive positive from the Screening phase, additional hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. Herein drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels compared to alternative methods like urine or oral fluid testing, underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screenings.

Confirming positive Screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples indicated as presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and conforms to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests reveal drug usage for as long as 90 days, while urine tests offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to deceive: Manipulating a hair drug test is notably difficult, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical insight: It reveals a prolonged pattern of drug consumption, covering more than just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly within 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally higher in cost compared to alternative drug testing approaches.
• Result variability: Influences like hair color and personal differences in hair growth might alter drug metabolite concentrations in hair samples.

Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Richland, WA by providing comprehensive advantages. One key benefit is its expansive detection window, extending up to 90 days, as opposed to the limited timeframe urine tests cover.

Another significant advantage lies in the accuracy and reliability of hair tests, which are not easily adulterated. For employers, this assures a higher level of confidence in maintaining a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Richland, WA, benefit significantly from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests monitor drug use over a prolonged period, offering up to 90 days of analysis.

This extensive timeframe provides employers with a thorough insight into an individual’s substance use history, assisting in well-informed decision-making for hiring or continued employment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Richland, WA, the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests ensures sample integrity. These tests boast a significant advantage over others by being almost impervious to adulteration, leading to superior and undisputable results.

This feature is particularly beneficial where reliability is paramount, offering a safeguard against tampering for employers seeking to enforce substance-free policies in the workplace.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Richland, WA benefits from the widespread availability of our nationwide testing centers. This ensures that businesses and individuals can easily access testing services conveniently and without hassle.

The accessibility of our locations offers quick and straightforward testing, simplifying the process across different cities and making it effortless for those in need of drug testing services.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Richland, WA, the hair follicle testing process is praised for being simple and confidential. Every step, from ordering to receiving results, is streamlined to maintain user privacy and ease of access.

This focus on confidentiality, coupled with the simplicity of the process, assures individuals and businesses of an efficient approach to drug and alcohol testing.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Richland, WA sees competitive advantages in the affordable pricing and fast turnaround times of hair follicle testing. Companies, regardless of size, can leverage these cost-effective solutions for drug testing.

This ensures excellent value for money and a swift response in obtaining results, crucial for employers aiming to promptly address substance-related issues within their workforce.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Richland, WA, hair follicle testing is renowned for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests provide a detailed assessment of substance use, ensuring high precision.

By offering nearly foolproof detection, hair testing stands out for its ability to identify drug use with unmatched reliability. This is a critical aspect for organizations requiring efficient and precise substance use examinations in their workforce.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For employers in Richland, WA, hair follicle testing promises not only compliance with drug-free workplace policies but also peace of mind. By utilizing this testing method, companies can reduce legal risks associated with drug use among employees.

The assurance of maintaining a safe working environment is augmented by the reliability and extended detection capabilities of hair testing, fostering a more secure organizational culture.

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