Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair reveals a lengthy history of alcohol and drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
Collecting a 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG, add-ons, and/or over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory processing consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial process of integrating a sample into the laboratory system, which involves verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry that is not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
In the Extraction phase, if the sample shows a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen. Drugs are isolated from the hair at a substantially lower concentration than with other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging procedure to execute.
Confirmation of any Screening positive result is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly known as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing provides distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Sunnyslope, WA. The superior detection accuracy stems from hair's ability to track drug usage over weeks, offering an extensive drug profile. Unlike urine tests, which may only capture recent usage, hair testing delivers a comprehensive view of substance history, ensuring improved reliability and enhancing decision-making based on drug-free policy adherence.
Employers in Sunnyslope, WA, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. This method captures drug use up to 90 days prior, offering a comprehensive history that aids in making informed employment decisions. By reviewing long-term drug use, employers can better assess candidates and monitor current employees, ensuring a more efficient and safe workplace environment.
In Sunnyslope, WA, the hair follicle testing method excels in its ability to provide tamper-resistant results. This approach significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, offering unquestionable integrity. Hair tests are collected in a supervised manner, ensuring the authenticity of the sample and providing reliable results that support workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
In Sunnyslope, WA, the convenience of accessible testing locations is unparalleled. Nationwide centers ensure swift, hassle-free testing access, offering localized options that simplify the process for individuals and businesses alike. This ease of access to testing facilities streamlines the path to securing necessary results without undue delay or inconvenience.
The process of hair follicle testing in Sunnyslope, WA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From order to result, every step ensures privacy and ease of use. Clients can rest assured knowing that their information is handled discreetly and results are communicated efficiently, addressing any concerns related to confidentiality in a professional and straightforward manner.
In Sunnyslope, WA, hair follicle testing provides an affordable option with rapid turnaround times. Competitive pricing structures make it accessible for companies of all sizes, ensuring that quality testing services are available without financial strain. The efficiency in processing ensures prompt results, offering excellent value and fostering confidence in maintaining a drug-free workplace.
In Sunnyslope, WA, hair follicle drug testing offers a fast, accurate analysis of substance use. The precision of these tests is unmatched, ensuring reliable detection of drugs. Hair testing is known for its speed, making it a preferred choice for urgent testing needs, thereby offering peace of mind for employers who require timely results to maintain a safe and compliant workplace environment.
Employers in Sunnyslope, WA, are reassured through the compliance and peace of mind offered by hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal challenges while enhancing overall safety. By opting for hair testing, companies can mitigate risks, fostering a secure working environment that prioritizes the well-being of all employees.
