Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extended timeline for detecting alcohol and drugs due to the trapping of biomarkers in its fibers as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair tests can provide an approximately three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch sample containing roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair isn't an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be taken. When we refer to head hair, it's specifically about scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (like facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial sample processing into the laboratory’s system, ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped properly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not already covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary check for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach for ruling out drug use on most samples, any positive screen must be validated to be acceptable in court. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need further confirmation.
For samples testing presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair from the original specimen is processed for Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), hence why hair drug testing is the most complex method to execute.
To confirm any positive Screening result, methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS are used. Before confirming, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted by both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the subscalp hair follicle
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ridgefield, WA
Hair testing offers unparalleled detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. Its superior reliability makes it an appealing choice for employers emphasizing stringent drug-use policies.
The broader detection scope of hair tests covers a more extended period, providing detailed insights into substance habits, thus surpassing the reliability of urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Ridgefield, WA
Hair follicle testing captures drug use data over a prolonged duration, reaching up to 90 days. This extensive window presents a comprehensive understanding of a participant's drug history.
This lengthy detection period gives employers a complete view of substance control measures by showing a historical pattern of substance usage, beyond immediate intoxication instances.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ridgefield, WA
The innate design of hair follicle testing significantly posits a defense against sample manipulation. This ensures the authenticity and dependability of diagnostic results.
Employers can confidently uphold their zero-tolerance policies due to the test's robust resistance to tampering, establishing a strong layer of reliability against potential deceit.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ridgefield, WA
With a network of nationwide centers, hair follicle testing is accessible and simple for clients. Our Ridgefield locations offer swift and straightforward testing services.
Easy access to local testing facilities ensures minimal disruption during the testing process, enhancing convenience and sparing companies from prolonged downtimes.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ridgefield, WA
The process of ordering and taking hair follicle drug tests is designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy at every step.
Participants can rest assured knowing that their sensitive information is protected and the testing process remains discreet while producing reliable results efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ridgefield, WA
Competitive pricing paired with quick result times makes hair follicle drug testing an excellent choice for organizations aiming to balance cost with efficiency.
Furthermore, our services are designed to meet budgetary constraints while ensuring high-quality results, offering little room for compromise in either pricing or service delivery speed.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ridgefield, WA
Hair follicle drug tests offer exceptional precision and swift processing times. Known for their accuracy, these tests can detect substance use with remarkable speed, ensuring that employers and clients alike can trust their outcomes.
Whether it's a pre-employment screen or ongoing testing routine, the rapid results delivered by hair follicle tests allow companies to make informed decisions quickly, maintaining workflow efficiency.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ridgefield, WA
Hair follicle drug testing aids employers in maintaining compliance with stringent workplace safety and drug-free initiatives, significantly lowering legal exposures.
Through this testing method, employers gain peace of mind that workplace environments remain safe and policies are uncompromised, promoting an unwavering state of compliance.
