Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluation is now acknowledged as a robust method for identifying alcohol and drug use. Hair retains a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When collected near the scalp, it can offer up to a 3-month evaluation period for alcohol and other substances. Hair sample collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for analysis and verification. For tests including EtG, additional panels, or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample is advised. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair includes other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Summary
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary entry of a sample into a laboratory's system, which includes verifying that the sample was adequately sealed and shipped, allocating a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening effectively rules out drug usage in most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this stage, substances are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other testing methods such as urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug screening is the toughest methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Swinomish Reservation, WA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. This form of testing provides a more credible assessment, making it a preferred choice for those seeking thorough drug use detection capabilities.
In Swinomish Reservation, WA, hair follicle testing is unmatched in identifying drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection window gives employers a broader understanding of an individual’s substance use habits, making it an invaluable tool in the hiring process.
Hair follicle testing in Swinomish Reservation, WA significantly limits the possibility of tampering with samples. This testing method ensures that the results remain reliable and undisputed, enhancing the trustworthiness of the entire process.
Our testing centers' convenience across the Nation, including in Swinomish Reservation, WA, ensures easy access to hair follicle screenings. Whether local or elsewhere, it's straightforward to find a nearby testing center, simplifying the testing process for all involved.
In Swinomish Reservation, WA, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, privacy concerns and ease of use have been thoroughly addressed, assuring participants of their confidentiality.
Competitive pricing and quick result turnaround characterize our services in Swinomish Reservation, WA. Offering excellent value, our hair follicle testing is ideal for businesses of any size, ensuring they enjoy peace of mind along with cost-effectiveness.
Hair follicle testing in Swinomish Reservation, WA offers fast and precise results. It stands out for its exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use. The process ensures that results are delivered swiftly without compromising on reliability, providing trustworthy evidence of drug use.
For employers in Swinomish Reservation, WA, using hair follicle tests aligns with ensuring compliance to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal exposure and promotes a safer work environment, offering peace of mind to employers committed to maintaining a productive workspace.