Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly viewed as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a long-lasting record of these substances by capturing biomarkers in its growing fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to a 3-month timeframe. The procedure to collect hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and exams exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen with a jeweler's scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. The term 'head hair' refers solely to scalp hair while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in processing a drug test result within the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with logging a sample into the laboratory's system. This step entails confirming the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and fulfilling any outstanding data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for potential drug abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient mechanism to rule out drug use in most cases, any positive findings need to be validated for legal proceedings. Presumptive positives from Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting hair drug testing as the more challenging process.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples with presumptive positives undergo washing when necessary before confirmation. The complete laboratory processing cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," this examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Sunset Beach, WA
Comparing hair and urine drug tests, hair analysis offers distinct advantages. Hair's longer detection period reveals substance history over months, while urine is limited to days. Hair testing ensures superior accuracy with fewer tampering risks, providing reliable results in Sunset Beach.
Extended Detection Window in Sunset Beach, WA
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage by capturing drug use history for up to 90 days. This extended window provides Sunset Beach employers with a thorough insight into prospective employees' substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sunset Beach, WA
Hair follicle tests are robust against tampering, ensuring authentic results. In Sunset Beach, this reliability gives individuals and entities peace of mind, knowing their drug test outcomes are genuine and dependable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Options in Sunset Beach, WA
Our extensive network ensures easy access to testing services. With numerous locations available, including in Sunset Beach, scheduling a hair follicle drug test is quick, efficient, and uncomplicated.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sunset Beach, WA
The procedure for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet. From order placement to receiving results, we prioritize privacy, allowing residents of Sunset Beach to undergo testing with confidence and security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sunset Beach, WA
We offer competitive pricing and rapid response times, guaranteeing excellent value for businesses of all sizes in Sunset Beach. Our cost-effective solutions ensure swift implantation and operational continuity.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sunset Beach, WA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swift yet precise outcomes. With high accuracy rates, these tests reliably identify substance use, helping Sunset Beach residents confidently make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sunset Beach, WA
Employers in Sunset Beach achieve peace of mind by adopting hair follicle testing, as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace mandates. This action reduces legal challenges and fosters a safer, more productive environment.
