Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for discovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures long-term history by embedding biomarkers in its growing strands. When obtained near the scalp, it provides about a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, hard to fake, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch cut of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) next to the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred sample for screening and verification. For EtG, extra tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's best to measure samples with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory workflow of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates processing the sample into a lab’s system. This ensures proper sample sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any required data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use for most samples, to be court-admissible, a positive screen must be confirmed. Samples with presumptive positives require subsequent confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial supply and readied for Extraction. Drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive screenings is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as required. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer as the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Blue Jay, CA - Hair follicle tests surpass urine tests by providing more reliable detection of drug use, offering a longer detection window that uncovers substance use effectively.
While traditional urine tests serve immediate detection, hair testing is unbeatable in tracing drug history, offering robust accuracy and trustworthiness that urine tests can't match for long-term analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Blue Jay, CA - Hair follicle testing is an effective tool in revealing drug use, covering a span of up to 90 days. This extended timeframe grants employers keen insights into an individual's drug use history.
This prolonged detection period provides a thorough view, ensuring that even past substance use doesn't go unnoticed, helping make informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Blue Jay, CA - Hair follicle tests are designed to be resistant to tampering, making them a trustworthy method for ensuring accurate results and preventing adulteration.
The samples cannot be easily manipulated, which means the outcomes are reliable and the integrity of the testing process remains intact, providing clear-cut and bona fide data.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Blue Jay, CA - With numerous centers spread across the nation, accessing testing services is both straightforward and convenient, minimizing hassle.
The availability of local facilities in Blue Jay ensures that testing needs are met promptly and efficiently, bringing ease and accessibility directly to the clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Blue Jay, CA - From ordering to obtaining results, the process is designed to be simple and discreet, addressing client privacy concerns effectively.
The focus on confidentiality ensures that all steps are handled with care, providing users peace of mind through a streamlined and private testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Blue Jay, CA - Our competitive pricing and quick results provide excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes with budget-friendly options.
Ensuring fast turnaround times means test outcomes are received promptly, enabling businesses to make timely decisions, enhancing operation efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Blue Jay, CA - Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their swift and precise outcomes, making them a highly effective tool for identifying substance use with great accuracy.
These tests deliver quick results without compromising on specificity, ensuring a reliable means of assessing substance exposure over time.
This accuracy is vital for maintaining a safe and drug-free environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Blue Jay, CA - Utilizing hair follicle testing facilitates adherence to drug-free workplace policies, ensuring legal compliance and reducing potential liabilities.
This method enhances workplace safety by providing clarity and assurance, fostering a secure environment for employees, and protecting company reputation and legal standing.
