Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Spanaway, WA

What it is, How it works

The utilization of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the continuously growing hair strand. When collected adjacent to the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent portion of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The significant phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples that are tentatively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.

Should a sample show a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the preliminary specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests have the capability to identify substance use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a more limited detection period.
• Difficulty to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test proves challenging, thus ensuring more accurate results.
• Provides historical insight: It offers a timeline of drug use over an extended period, not solely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: It typically takes 5-7 days for drugs to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur more cost than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual differences in hair growth may influence the drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Spanaway, WA
Compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The hair test's distinctive ability to identify drugs over a significantly longer period ensures more thorough screening, whereas urine tests provide a more limited detection window.

Employers and substance abuse specialists benefit from hair testing's robustness in Spanaway, as it mitigates the risk of deceptive results. Employers who implement zero-tolerance policies find hair testing invaluable in maintaining workplace safety.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Spanaway, WA
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, detecting drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This prolonged detection ability allows employers to assess applicants or employees more effectively.

In Spanaway, the ability to track substance use over several months helps organizations make more confident hiring and employment decisions, reducing the risk of workplace incidents related to drug abuse.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Spanaway, WA
The design of hair follicle tests significantly lowers the chances of sample tampering. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests provide results that are both reliable and nearly impossible to manipulate, ensuring a valid assessment.

Spanaway organizations value this certainty, as it reassures them of the integrity and accuracy of the drug testing process. Hair testing's resilience against adulteration bolsters trust in its findings.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Spanaway, WA
Our wide network of testing centers across the nation makes testing services easily accessible. Spanaway residents can benefit from the convenience and speed of our local centers, minimizing hassle and providing reliable testing near their places of residence or work.

Whether at a nationwide or local site, our facilities ensure timely and efficient drug testing processes, meeting diverse needs with unparalleled ease.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Spanaway, WA
The hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and respects confidentiality throughout. From ordering to obtaining results, the experience is designed for ease and privacy, addressing common concerns and enhancing user confidence.

Residents and employers in Spanaway appreciate the seamless integration of our testing process, allowing them to maintain discretion while receiving comprehensive substance use insights swiftly.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Spanaway, WA
Our competitive pricing models and rapid result delivery provide noteworthy value for companies of varying sizes. Affordable hair follicle testing ensures organizations can conduct thorough drug evaluations without stressing budgets.

In Spanaway, employers benefit from efficient turnaround times, allowing them to act quickly on results, thus ensuring workplace safety and maintaining operational momentum.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Spanaway, WA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their ability to deliver rapid and trustworthy results. This method is exceptionally effective in accurately identifying substance use, providing confidence and precision unmatched by other testing types available to organizations and individuals in Spanaway.

Employers and agencies in Spanaway can rely on hair follicle testing's swift processing to make informed decisions. Its capacity to correctly pinpoint drug use demonstrates a notable improvement in testing efficacy, outshining traditional alternatives.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Spanaway, WA
By opting for hair follicle testing, employers can comply with drug-free workplace policies effectively. This method not only ensures adherence to regulations but also minimizes legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety.

In Spanaway, embracing hair testing practices enables employers to foster a secure environment, crucial for maintaining operational excellence and reducing the likelihood of drug-related incidents within the workplace.

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