Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in the strands' fibers, offering a comprehensive record of substance use over time. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal a usage timeline of up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, the optimal specimen size for testing and verification. For EtG, additional substances, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Key phases in the lab analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, involving entering the sample into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample’s secure sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and involves any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a fast, economical test for substance abuse. Although effective for the majority of samples, a confirmed result is necessary for legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If the Screening stage indicates a presumptively positive result, additional hair is extracted and readied for the Extraction stage. At this point, drugs are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid); thus, hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Positive results from the Screening process are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" commonly refers to these tests, but the analysis actually inspects the hair strand, not the follicle underlying the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine testing in Tahlequah, WA? The benefits are clear: greater detection accuracy and reliability make it a superior choice.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing offers an unbeatable advantage in terms of accuracy, giving a clearer picture of any substance use.
In Tahlequah, WA, hair follicle tests offer a longer detection window, up to 90 days, allowing employers a comprehensive insight into an individual's drug history.
This extended period provides a more thorough overview of substance use, enabling better-informed decisions for employers regarding applicants and employees.
Hair follicle tests in Tahlequah, WA, are known for their tamper-resistant nature, substantially reducing risks of sample adulteration.
The method ensures results that are both reliable and unquestionable, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process.
Offering convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Tahlequah, WA, ensures hassle-free testing access.
Our extensive network of centers provides quick and straightforward testing options, minimizing any inconvenience for our clients.
In Tahlequah, WA, the process is simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease at every step from ordering to receiving results.
This streamlined approach addresses privacy concerns and makes the testing process straightforward and user-friendly.
With affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Tahlequah, WA, offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Competitive rates and speedy results provide peace of mind, representing a cost-effective solution for comprehensive drug testing needs.
In Tahlequah, WA, hair follicle drug tests provide precise and speedy results. These tests boast high accuracy in detecting substance use, making them a preferred option.
The rapid processing times paired with the pinpoint precision of hair follicle testing ensure that individuals and employers get reliable and trustworthy results quickly.
Employers in Tahlequah, WA, find compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
This method effectively mitigates legal risks while enhancing overall workplace safety, a crucial aspect for businesses.