Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol use. It provides a comprehensive historical record by capturing biomarkers embedded within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair samples can reveal up to a three-month detection timeline for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in width) near the scalp yields around 100mg of hair, optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional assessments, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen quantity of 150mg is advisable. Use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample weight. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of processing a sample within a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a rapid initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, positive results from Screening require confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For presumptive positives detected during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is retrieved for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive undergo requisite washing prior to confirmation. The entire laboratory sequence, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the scalp-embedded hair follicle.
In Bray, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine testing. The benefits are clear: superior detection and increased reliability. Employers and others find it a valuable solution for comprehensive evaluations.
Extended detection windows make hair follicle testing invaluable in Bray, CA. With the ability to identify drug usage over a span of up to 90 days, employers gain a broader perspective on substance histories.
Hair follicle testing in Bray, CA significantly reduces the likelihood of sample tampering. It offers a secure and trustworthy method for drug screening where results are unquestionable.
With numerous testing centers, including local options in Bray, CA, convenience is a given. Nationwide networks offer easy access to essential testing services without hassle.
Bray, CA values a simple, confidential testing process. Ordering, taking, and receiving results remains straightforward, promoting user-friendly interaction while addressing privacy concerns.
In Bray, CA, affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing deliver excellent value for businesses seeking efficient testing solutions tailored to any size.
Bray, CA residents benefit from the fast, accurate, and reliable results offered by hair follicle testing. This method provides in-depth accuracy when assessing substance use, making it a preferred choice for those needing dependable data.
Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies is essential in Bray, CA. Hair follicle testing guarantees this, reducing legal risks and promoting peace of mind for employers.