Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for detecting substance use. Hair offers a chronicle of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating indicators within the strands’ fibers. Positioned near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection history extending up to three months for various substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's size) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for evaluation and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding ten panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. When we reference head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four primary steps in a laboratory’s drug test processing involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a test sample into the lab's system. This involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive finding requires confirmation for courtroom acceptability. Samples with presumptive positives in the Screening stage necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is utilized for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to alternate methods like urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive outcome in Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab progression from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself is conducted on the hair strand not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Alhambra Valley, CA, hair follicle testing is superior to urine tests due to its extended detection capabilities. Hair tests can identify substance use patterns over a prolonged period, unlike urine tests which indicate recent usage. This makes hair testing more reliable for employers who need to ensure a drug-free work environment.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Alhambra Valley, CA, allows employers to review substance use over the past 90 days, providing a clear picture of an individual's history. This advantage is critical in assessing long-term behaviors, unlike other testing methods that may only focus on recent use.
Hair follicle testing in Alhambra Valley, CA, significantly reduces the chances of tampering. Due to the collection and analysis process, hair tests are resistant to sample adulteration, providing trustworthy results. This tamper-resistant nature ensures that the outcomes are accurate and can be relied upon for important decision-making.
Alhambra Valley, CA, benefits from the convenience of nationwide testing locations provided by accredited centers. These numerous locations facilitate easy access, ensuring that all testing needs are met swiftly and without hassle, providing both local and national service coverage.
Our drug testing process in Alhambra Valley, CA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From the initial order to receiving results, every step is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns. This ensures that users can rely on a seamless and discreet experience for all their testing needs.
Alhambra Valley, CA, businesses will find our pricing structure both competitive and economical, alongside fast processing times. Our efficient service provides companies of all sizes with cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality or speed.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast and reliable results in Alhambra Valley, CA. The precision of hair testing lies in its ability to accurately detect a wide range of substances. Unlike some other testing methods, the results from a hair follicle test can deliver high confidence in accuracy and speed, thanks to the meticulous collection and analysis methods utilized.
For employers in Alhambra Valley, CA, hair follicle testing fosters compliance with drug-free policies. It not only ensures a safer workplace but also mitigates legal risks associated with substance abuse. Employers can have peace of mind knowing that this method supports a consistent and reliable drug testing policy.
