Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as an effective means for detecting substance use. Hair archives a long-term record of substances, preserving biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage over a roughly 3-month span. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is easy.
A section measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (roughly the same as a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides about 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or more than 10-panel tests, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, the equivalent body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' covers all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test in a lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring correct sealing and shipping, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and inputting any extra data not yet covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the initial, rapid test for substance abuse. Though cost-efficient in excluding drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal validation. Samples presumed positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, more hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair screening complex to execute.
Positive screen confirmations use GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any positive preliminary samples are cleaned as needed before confirmation. The entire journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination is of the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Smokey Point, WA, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, they provide more reliable and comprehensive results. Hair testing identifies substance use over extended periods, giving employers better insight into drug use history. The enhanced reliability makes hair tests an excellent choice for drug screening.
In Smokey Point, WA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long-term analysis provides employers with a complete view of an individual's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making for hiring and ongoing employment. Hair tests deliver comprehensive data that urine tests cannot match for past substance use.
In Smokey Point, WA, hair follicle testing is well-known for its tamper-resistant nature. The method minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, yielding reliable and unquestionable results. Employers and professionals prefer this test for its integrity and accuracy, ensuring trustworthy outcomes each time.
Smokey Point, WA residents enjoy the convenience of nationwide testing centers. Our local facilities provide quick and easy access to hair follicle drug testing services. With a network of centers throughout the country, testing becomes a hassle-free experience, offering timely and efficient service whenever needed.
In Smokey Point, WA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring privacy throughout. Concerns over the process are eliminated as individuals find ease in handling their testing needs without worries about security or complexity.
Smokey Point, WA benefits from competitive pricing and fast turnaround times offered by hair follicle testing services. Companies of all sizes find excellent value in the affordable rates and speedy results provided, allowing for informed decisions with minimal wait.
In Smokey Point, WA, hair follicle drug testing provides remarkable precision and speed. This modern method ensures highly accurate detection of substance use. The reliable results assist employers and individuals seeking definitive answers in drug screening. Hair tests deliver exceptional accuracy, making them a preferred option for effective substance monitoring.
For employers in Smokey Point, WA, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. The reliable results bring peace of mind, helping companies maintain a professional environment in line with zero-tolerance policies.
