Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as an impactful method for identifying drug and alcohol use, hair testing captures long-term usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands as they grow. When taken close to the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection window reaching up to about 3 months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipment is convenient.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and validation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test outcomes involves four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the primary incorporation of a sample into the lab's records. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
During Screening, samples undergo an initial swift analysis for abusive drug presence. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples flagged as positive in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
For samples with presumptive positive results in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug screening as a method.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result occurs using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation sees oversight under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Tampico, WA? Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, surpassing urine tests by providing a wider time window and reducing cheating opportunities.
Employers benefit from enhanced screening capabilities, ensuring a drug-free work environment effectively.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window in Tampico, WA. This method is unparalleled, capable of revealing drug use for up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance history.
This allows employers to make more informed decisions about candidates, ensuring workplace safety and integrity.
In Tampico, WA, hair follicle tests are tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This method provides reliable and unquestionable results.
Employers can trust in the unbiased integrity of these tests, knowing they are protected against manipulation and inaccuracies.
Accredited Drug Testing in Tampico, WA, offers convenient nationwide testing locations and local options for accessibility. Our centers provide hassle-free access to essential testing services.
Clients can expect quick and easy testing processes, making it simpler to maintain compliance and safety.
The process of hair follicle testing in Tampico, WA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we address privacy concerns and ease of use diligently.
This ensures that both individuals and employers can manage their testing needs efficiently and discreetly.
In Tampico, WA, Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround, providing excellent value for companies of all sizes.
Our competitive pricing structures ensure cost-effective solutions, coupled with quick results to give peace of mind.
In Tampico, WA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are distinguished by their high precision and capability to detect substance use efficiently.
Employers and individuals can trust in hair testing to provide consistent and truthful data about drug use, ensuring informed decisions are made promptly.
For employers in Tampico, WA, compliance and peace of mind are priorities. Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing overall safety.
Using this method reflects an employer's commitment to maintaining a secure and drug-free environment.
