Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can offer an extended-term record of alcohol and drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can present up to a roughly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of about 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair might be gathered. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" denotes all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This step verifies that the sample has been properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary, cost-effective check for drug abuse on most samples. A positive screen must be verified for legal purposes. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In Selleck, WA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering unparalleled detection accuracy. While urine tests may suffice momentarily, the hair method provides a comprehensive analysis with superior reliability. Its resistance to evasion makes it an indispensable tool for thorough drug monitoring.
Hair follicle testing in Selleck, WA, can detect drug use over an extended period, offering insight into substance habits up to 90 days prior. This lengthy detection window aids employers in gaining a thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's past substance usage, ensuring informed decisions.
In Selleck, WA, hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. Their design inherently prevents adulteration, providing results that are both trustworthy and hard to contest. This makes them a valuable asset in drug testing protocols.
The convenience of our nationwide testing centers, including in Selleck, WA, makes access fast and hassle-free. Easy availability close to home guarantees that testing needs are met with minimal effort, streamlining the process for all involved.
Our straightforward and confidential process in Selleck, WA, makes ordering, completing, and receiving test results simple and discreet. Addressing privacy concerns ensures a user-friendly experience for everyone involved.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our services in Selleck, WA, provide outstanding value. This makes them highly appealing for businesses across various sizes, combining cost-efficiency with swift execution.
The hair follicle drug test offers unrivaled precision and speed in Selleck, WA. Its high accuracy in detecting substance use ensures dependable results. Moreover, hair testing's quick turnaround time outpaces traditional methods, making it the preferred choice for accurate drug screening.
With hair follicle testing in Selleck, WA, employers secure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety, this method ensures both peace of mind and adherence to necessary regulations.
