Hair Follicle Drug Testing - University Place, WA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. By trapping biomarkers within the fibers of hair strands, it provides a long-term history of alcohol and other drugs. When cut close to the scalp, hair samples can reveal a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, collecting an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" denotes all other body hair types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Summary

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial registration of the sample into the lab system. This involves confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid assay for drug abuse. Although economically efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be considered court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for the Extraction step. At this juncture, drugs are isolated from hair at markedly lower concentrations compared to other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), accounting for the complexity of hair drug screening methodologies.

Positive screening outcomes are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptively positive samples are cleansed as required. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Hard to falsify: The difficulty in tampering with a hair drug test enhances result accuracy.
• Historical insight: It provides a timeline of drug use patterns rather than just recent intake.

Drawbacks:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs take around 5-7 days to become traceable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier than other methods.
• Result variability: Hair color and individual hair growth differences can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing

• In University Place, WA, hair testing offers superior detection over urine tests due to its longer detection period.
• Hair tests reduce false negatives and afford a broader overview of substance use.
• Employers benefit from more reliable data, making informed decisions easier.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Period

• Hair follicle tests in University Place, WA, cover up to 90 days, unlike short-term urine tests.
• This extended window permits a thorough review of an individual's drug use history.
• Employers gain a comprehensive insight into potential employees' substance habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Secure Testing: Minimizing Tampering

• Hair follicle tests in University Place, WA, are significantly more resistant to tampering than urine tests.
• Consistent procedures ensure reliable samples, avoiding adulteration risks.
• Results from hair tests are trusted for their unmatched integrity and accuracy.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenience of Local and Nationwide Testing

• University Place, WA, benefits from widespread testing locations for easy access.
• Convenient nationwide testing centers ensure efficient service delivery.
• Quick and hassle-free testing enhances user experience across locations.

Simple, Confidential Process

A Simple, Private Process

• In University Place, WA, our straightforward process respects privacy at every stage.
• Ordering and taking tests is user-friendly, with confidential results.
• We prioritize ease and discretion, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Cost-Effective and Swift Results

• Competitive pricing in University Place, WA, offers excellent value.
• Fast turnaround times meet the needs of businesses of varying sizes.
• Affordable hair testing delivers assurance without compromising quality.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Accurate Results

• Hair follicle testing in University Place, WA, offers precise and fast detection of substance use.
• Results provide high accuracy in identifying use, delivering dependable outcomes quickly.
• This efficiency makes hair testing an essential tool for organizations needing swift, reliable answers.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Ensuring Compliance and Assurance

• Employers in University Place, WA, use hair testing for drug-free workplace compliance.
• These tests minimize legal issues and enhance safety measures.
• Hair testing provides peace of mind, knowing regulations are rigorously upheld.

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