Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for revealing the use of drugs and alcohol. This is because hair retains a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair that grows. When hair is collected close to the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol use over a period of up to three months. Moreover, hair is easy to gather, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is needed to procure 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing. For EtG, additional panels beyond 10, a 150mg specimen is ideal. It's advised to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, where a sample is logged into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and transported, assigns a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary check for illegal drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive screens must be confirmed to be legally defensible. All samples preliminarily positive in Screening are required to undergo further confirmation.
If a sample tests preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are extracted from the hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods, such as urine or oral fluid, which is why hair drug testing is considered the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is performed on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy, it reliably reflects an individual's substance usage. For Thompson Place, WA residents, choosing this method ensures a consistent analysis revealing drug usage patterns, offering a transparent lens into any recent behaviors that urinalysis might miss. Employers benefit by obtaining a clear, insightful review that encourages relaxed compliance.
Offering an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Thompson Place, WA, is invaluable for employers seeking a thorough understanding of a person's substance use history. It provides an elevated level of scrutiny that urine tests can't match, painting a more comprehensive picture of an individual’s past behavior. This helps make educated choices concerning employee or applicant substance histories, greater than standard methods.
In Thompson Place, WA, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant solution that minimizes sample adulteration risks. This boosts the reliability of test outcomes, giving employers and authorities unimpeachable confidence in the results. With hair testing, attempts to alter the results are notably reduced. This assurance makes hair tests an excellent option for anyone seeking definitive evidence of substance use.
In Thompson Place, WA, the convenience of our extensive network of testing centers simplifies the process for everyone involved. With numerous locations across the region and nationwide, individuals can access services swiftly and without hassle. This broad availability means both employers and individuals can find nearby centers to undertake testing, facilitating a seamless and stress-free experience for all parties involved.
Experience a straightforward and confidential procedure for arranging, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results in Thompson Place, WA. The user-centric process ensures that privacy and simplicity go hand in hand, making it easy for individuals to manage their testing needs. With clear steps laid out, everyone is assured a seamless experience that respects confidentiality and is intuitive to navigate.
Thompson Place, WA, benefits from our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, making hair follicle testing an accessible option for businesses of any size. Our affordable pricing model coupled with fast service gives all clients excellent value for their investment. Companies receive peace of mind knowing that they are supported by a cost-effective solution that delivers high-quality results punctually.
Residents of Thompson Place, WA, benefit from the fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes of hair follicle drug tests. The precision these tests provide ensures trustworthy results, which helps in making informed decisions. With high accuracy rates, these tests reveal a complete picture of substance use, boosting confidence both for employers and individuals. This method of analysis is not only safe but rapid, offering quick insights into behaviors.
By implementing hair follicle testing, employers in Thompson Place, WA, can ensure rigorous adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This process minimizes legal and safety risks, ensuring a secure working environment. Peace of mind is enhanced knowing that operations remain compliant, reducing potential litigation and fostering overall workplace safety. Employers gain a solid framework encouraging healthy and responsible workplace habits.
