Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical account of alcohol and drug usage by holding biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
For ideal screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch section, roughly 200 strands of scalp hair (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil), will yield 100mg, which is optimal. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample weight. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers strictly to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result encompasses four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the sample's initial processing into the laboratory system, involving checking the sample's seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry missing from an electronic custody chain.
Screening performs an initial assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug use for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples testing positive in Screening mandate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in methods like urine or oral fluid tests, which makes hair drug testing a challenging practice.
A positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed as part of the pre-confirmation process. Every stage, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," these tests evaluate the hair strand itself, not the underlying hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ashland, CA
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests with superior reliability and precision. While urine tests are common, hair tests stand out for their extended detection periods, providing a detailed view of substance use history. The accuracy and long-term insight make hair tests a robust choice for comprehensive evaluation.
Extended Detection Window in Ashland, CA
Hair follicle tests offer an unrivaled detection period, identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This comprehensive window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history over several months, ensuring informed decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ashland, CA
The hair follicle testing method considerably reduces the risk of sample tampering. Through a meticulous collection process, the integrity of the test is preserved, delivering results that are both reliable and indisputable, contributing to a trustworthy testing environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ashland, CA
With a network of testing centers spread nationwide, accessing testing services is quick and hassle-free. This convenience is mirrored locally in Ashland, ensuring testing is easily accessible, allowing individuals and companies to fulfill needs without any delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ashland, CA
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing concerns related to privacy efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ashland, CA
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing provides excellent value. This service aids companies of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quick delivery of accurate results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ashland, CA
Hair follicle testing offers precise and swift results, standing out in its high accuracy for identifying substance use. This method is preferred for its dependable outcomes, ensuring quick assessment without sacrificing reliability. Whether for employers or legal purviews, hair testing is esteemed for its capacity to deliver profound insights.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ashland, CA
Employers gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, as it supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal risks and strengthening workplace safety, this method helps maintain a secure and compliant working environment.
