Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can provide an observation window of up to three months for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for shipping.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 strands, roughly comparable to the size of a #2 pencil, near the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is initially introduced into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample is properly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
During Screening, an initial assessment for drug abuse is conducted. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use in most cases, a positive result must be verified for legal acceptability. Presumptively positive samples in Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction preparation. In this phase, the concentration of drugs is extracted from hair at a significantly lower level than in methods such as urine or oral fluids, making hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair analysis for drugs:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these tests analyze the hair strand itself rather than the follicle underneath the skin.
When comparing testing methods, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in Vantage, WA. Hair tests provide a longer detection window, capturing drug use up to 90 days prior, whereas urine tests detect more recent use, generally over a few days. This superior detection ability makes hair testing more reliable for long-term verification.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing lies in its capacity to uncover a detailed history of substance use, unlike urine tests that may miss longer-term patterns. This advantage ensures a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use, beneficial for employers enforcing strict zero-tolerance policies.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection period for drug use, up to 90 days, providing a broad view of an individual’s substance history. This capability in Vantage, WA, allows employers to get a comprehensive look at potential hires or current employees.
The prolonged detection window of hair follicle testing empowers employers in Vantage, WA, to make thorough evaluations of substance use history. By accessing a wider timeline, they gain critical insights into an individual’s lifestyle choices over an extended time.
Hair follicle tests in Vantage, WA, provide a tamper-resistant method of drug testing. The process significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results obtained are both reliable and conclusive.
The security of hair follicle drug testing stems from its tamper-resistant nature, offering Vantage, WA, employers peace of mind that results are accurate and unaltered. Such reliability reinforces the validity of each test, making them a trusted choice.
With a wide network of testing centers, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience to Vantage, WA, residents, ensuring easy access to hair follicle testing services. Our national and local facilities provide quick, seamless testing options for all individuals.
Residents of Vantage, WA, benefit from the convenience of our extensive nationwide network of testing centers. This allows fast and accessible service, making the process of obtaining a hair follicle test both simple and efficient, whether locally or elsewhere.
In Vantage, WA, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step ensures privacy and user-friendliness, addressing all concerns regarding personal data protection.
Privacy is a priority in our hair testing procedure in Vantage, WA. The process, designed for simplicity and confidentiality, guarantees individuals a stress-free experience while maintaining the integrity of their personal information from start to finish.
Competitive pricing and swift processing times make our hair follicle tests in Vantage, WA, an appealing option for companies of all sizes. This affordability merges with quality, ensuring excellent value for businesses seeking comprehensive drug evaluation methods.
Our hair follicle tests, offered in Vantage, WA, provide quick turnaround and cost-effective pricing, offering businesses an opportunity to gain reliable insights without straining budgets. This ensures high-quality service at reasonable rates, beneficial for all organizational scales.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched in Vantage, WA. These tests offer highly accurate results, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use. With quick processing times, they provide fast results without compromising accuracy, ensuring that employers and individuals receive reliable information swiftly.
Employers in Vantage, WA, benefit from the precise nature of hair follicle testing, which accurately detects drug use over an extensive period. The quick turnaround of results aids in making informed decisions promptly, enhancing the reliability of the employment process.
Hair testing for drugs supports workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies in Vantage, WA. Using this method reduces legal risks for employers by ensuring adherence to stringent safety standards, creating a secure environment for all employees.
For employers in Vantage, WA, incorporating hair follicle drug testing means securing peace of mind. By ensuring compliance with workplace safety protocols, businesses minimize legal liabilities and enhance overall workplace safety, protecting their operations and workforce effectively.
