Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. The hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimum quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the hair using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair indicates only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, ascribing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid check for misuse of drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive result needs verification for legal acceptance. All samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
In the event a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations than other methods (i.e., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the higher complexity of hair drug screenings.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed to validate any positive screening outcomes. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The lab procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle tests outshine traditional urine tests in Wheeler, WA, for several reasons.
Their superior detection ability and consistency make them a quantifiable asset for anyone seeking robust drug screening.
Unlike urine tests, hair assessments analyze usage over an extended timeframe, offering a precise overview of someone's substance history, minimizing inaccuracies.
In Wheeler, WA, hair follicle assessments provide a vast detection window of up to 90 days, granting employers insight into an individual's long-term substance use history.
This broad coverage surpasses the limited timeframe of alternative tests.
By presenting a thorough drug use profile, these tests enable employers to make informed decisions, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Hair follicle assessments in Wheeler, WA, stand out for their tamper-resistant design, significantly reducing sample manipulation risks.
Their robustness ensures accurate and unquestionable results, crucial for dependable drug testing.
This method creates an obstacle for tampering attempts, securing the integrity and reliability of outcomes.
Wheeler, WA, benefits from convenient nationwide hair testing centers.
This accessibility guarantees a seamless, stress-free testing experience, removing any hurdles in acquiring necessary services.
The broad network ensures rapid and straightforward testing procedures for all participants, enhancing the overall efficiency.
In Wheeler, WA, the hair testing process is simple and discreet.
From ordering through to results, every step ensures confidentiality, catering to privacy and user-friendliness concerns.
This streamlined method eases participation, ensuring quick participation and receipt of results without compromising on privacy standards.
Wheeler, WA, offers competitive pricing with hair testing, ensuring value for diverse business sizes.
The cost-effective rates, paired with swift turnaround times, present a valuable service without compromising on quality.
Organizations enjoy the dual benefits of affordability and timely, reliable results with this advantageous testing option.
In Wheeler, WA, hair follicle assessments are recognized for their precision and swiftness, accurately identifying substance use.
Their unmatched accuracy in pinpointing drug traces makes them the preferred choice over standard testing methods.
These tests work efficiently and deliver dependable results faster, offering stakeholders prompt and trustworthy data to make informed decisions.
Employers in Wheeler, WA, opting for hair follicle assessments gain compliance and assurance.
This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, lessening potential legal challenges, and boosting safety.
Adopting reliable testing means peace of mind, helping employers maintain a secure and efficient work environment.
