Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When taken from the scalp area, hair offers a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, encompassing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional substances, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, the same quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test processing workflow in the laboratory comprises four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab’s system. It ensures the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry that isn’t covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for abusive drug presence. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use in many samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
With a presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the laboratory process adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand being tested, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Richmond Beach, WA
Hair follicle tests offer a significant advantage over urine tests, particularly in their extensive detection timeframe, making them more dependable and effective. These tests are more accurate because they capture a wider history of substance use, providing clearer insights. Richmond Beach employers benefit from these advantages, ensuring better policy compliance and workplace safety.
Extended Detection Window in Richmond Beach, WA
An undeniable edge of hair follicle testing is its extended detection period, reaching up to 90 days. This lengthened timeframe provides Richmond Beach employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, crucial for making informed decisions and fostering trust in employee assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Richmond Beach, WA
Hair follicle testing stands out as a robust method due to its resistance to tampering. Richmond Beach greatly benefits from its reliable results, which are nearly impervious to alterations. This ensures authenticity and provides peace of mind, poised to reinforce sterling standards in drug testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Richmond Beach, WA
With an extensive network of testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing in Richmond Beach is hassle-free. Our nationwide facilities ensure convenient locations that are just steps away, providing quick, straightforward accessibility to essential drug testing services wherever you are.
Simple, Confidential Process in Richmond Beach, WA
Navigating the hair follicle testing process in Richmond Beach is straightforward and private. From booking to receiving results, each step is crafted to maintain confidentiality, ensuring that privacy concerns are adequately addressed while making the process easy for individuals and employers alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Richmond Beach, WA
Richmond Beach offers hair follicle tests with competitive pricing and expeditious turnaround. Companies of various sizes reap the benefits of cost-effective solutions and prompt result delivery, ensuring they gain significant value and peace of mind for their investment in drug testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Richmond Beach, WA
When it comes to detecting drug use, hair follicle tests are renowned for their rapidity and precision. In Richmond Beach, these tests stand out for their ability to deliver fast yet reliable results. As they pinpoint substance use with high accuracy, they offer invaluable insights, facilitating quick decision-making for testing requirements.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Richmond Beach, WA
Employers in Richmond Beach find assurance in hair follicle tests that help ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Using such tests reduces potential legal repercussions and heightens safety. Compliance offers both peace of mind and a harmonious work environment.
