Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. Obtaining hair near the scalp facilitates a roughly 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch strand comprising approximately 200 hairs (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent volume from body hair may be utilized. Our reference to head hair solely pertains to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in the lab handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning focuses on the preliminary sample intake into a lab's system. Tasks include confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allocating a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and finalizing any extra data entries absent from an electronic custody system.
Screening provides a quick inspection for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage in most cases, a positive result necessitates Confirmation for legal acceptance. Presumptive positives in Screening require further validation.
A presumptive Screening positive prompts additional hair extraction from the original sample for Preparation. This involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most intricate procedure.
Positive screening outcomes proceed to Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive specimens undergo necessary washing before Confirmation. The progression from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes thorough review, adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Avery, CA: Compared to ordinary urine tests, hair testing offers superior accuracy and dependability. Its adeptness in identifying drug use over extended durations underscores its effectiveness for organizations looking to enforce drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Avery, CA: By identifying drug use for up to 90 days, hair follicle tests afford employers a broad perspective on employees' or prospective hires' substance habits, fostering informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Avery, CA: Hair follicle testing markedly curtails the chances of sample tampering. This ensures that you're receiving irrefutable evidence, safeguarding the integrity of your results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Avery, CA: With testing centers located across the nation, our services promise ease and accessibility, making the testing process seamless for you regardless of location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Avery, CA: From arranging your test to obtaining results, our procedure prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality, guarding your privacy at every stage for a stress-free experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Avery, CA: Our competitive prices coupled with swift results provide exceptional value, giving businesses of all scales assurance in efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Avery, CA: Hair follicle drug tests boast remarkable precision and speed. Their accuracy in identifying substance misuse makes them indispensable, ensuring you're provided with trustworthy outcomes every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Avery, CA: Embracing hair follicle tests aligns employers with drug-free workplace mandates, mitigating legal hazards while bolstering safety in the workplace environs.