Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for discovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarker traces within its fibers, creating a prolonged history of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, the sample is complex to tamper with, and it ships with ease.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 strands of hair (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for screening and affirmation. For EtG, extra tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair imply only scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory drug test processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial sample processing within a lab's logistics. It involves ensuring the sample's proper seal and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering additional data not captured electronically by a chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial, swift assessment for illicit drugs. While cost-effective for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screening result demands confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a specimen indicate a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Drugs are then removed from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a technically demanding procedure.
Confirmation of a positive screening finding is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sisco Heights, WA
Hair testing surpasses urine tests in several key aspects, offering superior accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle tests can detect substances long after they've been processed out of the body, unlike conventional urine tests. This longer detection period is particularly advantageous for employers wishing to maintain stringent drug-free environments, ensuring a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history.
Extended Detection Window in Sisco Heights, WA
With the ability to trace substance use up to 90 days prior, hair follicle testing provides a thorough overview of an individual's drug history. This long detection window offers employers in Sisco Heights a valuable tool in evaluating the substance use of employees or candidates, ensuring informed and safe hiring decisions that support a secure workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sisco Heights, WA
Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the possibility of sample tampering, providing unquestionable results. Their inherent resistance to adulteration offers Sisco Heights employers unmatched confidence in the authenticity of drug testing outcomes, ensuring integrity and reliability, which is crucial in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sisco Heights, WA
With testing centers spread nationwide, including local access in Sisco Heights, the process is conveniently streamlined. Quick, hassle-free testing services are available, ensuring that employers and individuals can obtain necessary drug screenings effortlessly, without the stress of complicated logistics or distant travel.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sisco Heights, WA
Ordering, completing, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. This streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns effectively, reassuring individuals that their data is protected while simplifying the testing process, thus enhancing user experience and trust within Sisco Heights.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sisco Heights, WA
Offering competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, our hair follicle testing provides excellent value, appealing to companies of various sizes in Sisco Heights. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency ensures organizations receive timely, accurate testing results without incurring substantial expenses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sisco Heights, WA
The hair follicle drug test is notable for delivering precise, swift outcomes, crucial for identifying substance use. Its methodological integrity ensures high testing accuracy, offering decisive insights into one's drug history. Without the delays often associated with urine tests, hair testing guarantees straightforward, efficient analysis beneficial for all stakeholders in Sisco Heights.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sisco Heights, WA
Employers can ensure they meet drug-free workplace requirements through hair follicle testing, reducing legal exposure while boosting safety. In Sisco Heights, using hair tests assists in maintaining compliance with policies, handling potential legal challenges proactively, and reinforcing a commitment to workplace safety.