Hair Follicle Drug Testing - South Shore, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When collected very close to the scalp, it can provide a drug and alcohol detection window of up to 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to manipulate, and easy to send.

A hair sample close to 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands (the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp gives 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. It is suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a non-scalp body hair equivalent may be used. 'Head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing stage, where a sample is introduced into the laboratory's system. This process entails verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any necessary additional data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides an initial quick assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although it offers an economical way to rule out drug use in most samples, positive screens must be confirmed to be court-admissible. Presumptive positive Screening samples require additional confirmation.

If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair from the original sample is retrieved for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at far lower concentrations than in other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex screening method.

Confirmation of positive screening results occurs through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Prolonged detection period: Hair drug tests detect drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a much shorter detection period.
• Challenging to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is very hard, leading to more reliable results.
• Offers historical data: Demonstrates a drug usage pattern over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent use: Drugs need about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methods.
• Diverse results: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can affect drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand, rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in South Shore, WA

• Hair testing offers vastly superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests.
• The detection window is significantly longer, providing more reliable insights into a person's substance use history.

• Employers find peace of mind with minimal risk of sample tampering, a common concern with urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in South Shore, WA

• Hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days.
• This broad window offers employers a clearer perspective of a prospective employee's past.

• Such exhaustive coverage ensures that infrequent users and recent abstinence are identified, unlike with shorter interval tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in South Shore, WA

• Hair follicle tests inherently decrease the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring integrity.
• The collection process is observed, adding another layer of security and reliability to the results.

• These measures make hair testing nearly foolproof, discouraging attempts to adulterate samples.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in South Shore, WA

• Our extensive network ensures accessibility, no matter where you are in the country.
• Local centers in South Shore make it easier for employees to undergo necessary testing.

• Quick and straightforward testing services eliminate hassle and reduce stress for participants and employers alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in South Shore, WA

• The testing procedure is straightforward, ensuring clients receive results with minimal burden.
• Confidentiality is a top priority, assuring that all personal information remains protected throughout the process.

• From order to result retrieval, each step prioritizes privacy, addressing common concerns effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in South Shore, WA

• Competitive pricing structures provide excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes.
• The rapid turnaround ensures swift results without compromising accuracy.

• Companies benefit from both the cost-effectiveness and the high-quality service, reinforcing their trust in drug testing reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in South Shore, WA

• The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, ensuring quick and accurate results.
• The test's ability to meticulously track substance usage reduces potential errors and increases dependability.

• Employers benefit from the swiftness and confidentiality of the hair testing process, maintaining workplace integrity efficiently.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in South Shore, WA

• Hair testing ensures adherence to workplace drug policies, fostering a safer environment.
• Employers avoid legal issues related to drug use, thus enhancing organizational liability.

• Utilizing hair tests provides confidence that the workplace remains drug-free, reflecting positively on corporate reputation.

Drug Testing Near South Shore, WA

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