Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant asset in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extended timeline of substance usage by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair's fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of nearly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses over 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for precise specimen measurement is suggested. If hair from the scalp is unavailable, a similar volume of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core phases in laboratory processing of drug tests include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with incorporating a sample into the lab’s system, confirming its proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra information entry not through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as an initial check for illicit drugs. Though Screening is cost-efficient and rules out drug intake for most samples, any positive findings need further confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are tentatively positive in Screening require confirmation.
Should a sample test tentatively positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial specimen is used for Extraction. During this phase, substances are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair analysis challenging.
Confirmation of positive screenings occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Thomas, WA Hair testing has the upper hand due to its extended detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in span, hair tests catch substance use over longer periods.
Reliable detection is assured with hair follicle tests, offering superior accuracy against urine tests. This benefit supports a drug-free environment effectively.
Extended Detection Window in Thomas, WA Hair follicle testing offers a noteworthy advantage by detecting drug use over the past 90 days. This extensive window provides insight into an individual's substance use history.
Employers in Thomas, WA, benefit from the comprehensive perspective offered by these tests, crucial for evaluating applicants or employees thoroughly.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Thomas, WA Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the chances of sample manipulation. This ensures results are reliable and authentic, reducing the possibility of deception.
The method employed in Thomas, WA, provides unquestionable results, supporting integrity in substance testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Thomas, WA Our widespread testing centers increase convenience, ensuring swift access to drug testing services without hassle.
Whether in Thomas, WA or elsewhere, our locations offer a seamless testing experience, accommodating the needs of individuals and businesses efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Thomas, WA The straightforward process for ordering and receiving hair test results ensures privacy and confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns.
In Thomas, WA, our streamlined approach guarantees ease of use, maintaining client confidentiality at every step of the testing process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Thomas, WA Our competitive pricing structures offer excellent value while our quick turnaround times provide prompt results, supporting businesses of all sizes.
In Thomas, WA, this balance of affordability and efficiency assures clients of top-notch service without delays, amplifying overall satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Thomas, WA The precision of hair follicle drug tests guarantees reliability. This testing method detects substances accurately and swiftly, making it a preferred choice in Thomas, WA.
The high accuracy of hair follicle testing enables fast results without compromising on precision. This ensures timely and dependable outcomes, crucial for decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Thomas, WA Hair follicle testing assures employers of adherence to drug-free policies, facilitating legal compliance and boosting workplace security.
In Thomas, WA, this methodology reduces legal risks and fosters a safer working environment, granting employers peace of mind.
