Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have gained recognition as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in laboratory processing of drug tests include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This entails confirming that the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift review for drug abuse. Though Screening offers a budget-friendly means to assess drug use for the majority of cases, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be court admissible. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening do require further confirmation.
In scenarios where a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening stage, additional hair from the initial specimen is utilized for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Confirming any positive screening outcome is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing proves superior to urine testing in Bend, CA, due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability.
In Bend, CA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capturing drug use history over a 90-day period. This method gives employers a complete overview of an individual's substance use, compared to urine tests that cover a shorter timeframe. It's an invaluable tool for understanding long-term use patterns.
Hair follicle tests in Bend, CA, provide a tamper-resistant solution, reducing the risk of sample adulteration.
Our testing services in Bend, CA, are complemented by convenient nationwide centers, ensuring quick and easy access.
In Bend, CA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, from ordering to receiving results. Privacy is respected at every step, and the ease of use ensures a seamless experience. Rest assured, your confidentiality is our priority.
Our hair follicle testing in Bend, CA, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround, delivering value to companies of various sizes. With affordable rates and speedy results, we provide peace of mind, ensuring top-notch service at every stage.
In Bend, CA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed, offering accurate detection of substances consumed. Hair testing is notably fast, providing reliable answers without delay, making it a preferred option for those in need of rapid results. This method's accuracy sets it apart, ensuring dependable detection for various substances.
Employers in Bend, CA, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, providing peace of mind. Being thorough, it supports a safe and compliant work environment.