Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a comprehensive history by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered close to the skin, hair can reveal a detection timeframe for up to around three months for substances such as alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is easy, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional exams, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for accurate measurement. Should scalp hair be absent, a similar quantity of body hair may serve as an alternative. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a lab entails four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves introducing the sample to a lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry that wasn't supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result in Screening necessitates further confirmation for legal validity. Any samples that are preliminarily positive during Screening require a secondary Confirmation.
For samples preliminary positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than other processes (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology to conduct.
Positive screenings undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before Confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis specifically examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Big Bear City, CA: Hair tests outperform urine in accuracy, offering superior drug detection ability and reliability.
Employers and professionals recognize the unique advantages of hair testing over traditional urine tests.
Hair tests ensure meticulous accuracy,
rendering them preferable for rigorous drug use policies.
Extended Detection Window in Big Bear City, CA: Hair follicle testing reveals drug usage over an elongated period, up to 90 days, offering significant insights into a person’s substance history.
This assessment period aids employers in forming a thorough understanding of employees’ or applicants’ habits, ensuring informed decision-making.
Employers benefit from this extensive detection capability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Big Bear City, CA: Hair follicle tests substantially decrease sample manipulation risks, producing dependable and undeniable results.
This anti-tampering capacity reassures all parties of the authenticity and integrity of the obtained results, promising confidence in each test administered.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Big Bear City, CA: Our widespread national and local facilities provide quick, uncomplicated access to the necessary testing services.
The extensive network simplifies the testing process for all, ensuring efficiency and convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Big Bear City, CA: The procedure for hair follicle testing encompasses an easy, secure process from order to results, addressing privacy concerns.
Individuals are assured of confidentiality throughout, enjoying a straightforward methodology that promotes ease of use and discreet handling of their tests.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Big Bear City, CA: With competitive pricing and swift result delivery, we deliver excellent value to companies irrespective of their size.
Efficient processing times ensure clients receive timely insights exuding peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Big Bear City, CA: Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift, precise results, accurately identifying substance use.
The adeptness of hair testing lies in its superior detection technology, ensuring reliable outcomes. This method expedites the process with unmatched precision.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Big Bear City, CA: Utilizing hair follicle testing fortifies adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and fostering workplace safety.
Employers can rest assured knowing their policies are upheld with verifiable accuracy and consistency.
