Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug consumption by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of a growing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to use 150mg of hair. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test is divided into four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial processing of a sample as it enters a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid inspection for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective in ruling out drug use for the majority of samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positives during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Summitview, WA
Hair testing surpasses urine tests with its higher detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis identifies drug use over a longer timeframe, offering a more complete view of an individual's substance behavior.
Extended Detection Window in Summitview, WA
Hair follicle testing's extended detection window up to 90 days provides an in-depth perspective on substance use. For employers, this means a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's drug history, aiding informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Summitview, WA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy and conclusive results. These tests are collected under observation, reducing opportunities for tampering, and ensuring sample integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Summitview, WA
With our extensive network of nationwide testing centers, accessing hair testing services is quick and convenient. Our local Summitview location ensures hassle-free testing accessibility for all clients, making the process seamless.
Simple, Confidential Process in Summitview, WA
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, from ordering to result delivery. Privacy concerns are addressed, ensuring a worry-free experience for every client undergoing testing.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Summitview, WA
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, delivering excellent value. Employers can benefit from cost-effective testing without sacrificing speed or quality, improving organizational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Summitview, WA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed, ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance use. Compared to other methods, hair tests deliver quick and dependable results, providing trustworthy insights into an individual's substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Summitview, WA
Hair follicle testing helps organizations comply with drug-free workplace policies. It reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, giving employers confidence in maintaining a substance-free environment.
