Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug use by embedding markers within the strands' structure. When taken from near the scalp, hair captures up to about a 3-month period for substance detection. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
To obtain the optimal 100mg sample for testing and validation, a 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hairs (similar to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest to the scalp is required. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, it's advisable to gather 150mg of the sample. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair is an alternative. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for determining a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's framework. This phase assures that the sample was securely closed and shipped correctly, allocates an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any additional data input not established by an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening represents an initial swift analysis for illicit drugs. Although Screening is a budget-friendly option to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates further verification to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptive positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If Screening results in a presumptive positive, more hair is detached from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations far lower than those in alternate techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis a challenging procedure to execute.
To confirm a positive screening outcome, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is employed. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation as appropriate. Each step from Accessioning through Confirmation conforms to the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Brisbane, CA, hair follicle testing stands out over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests offer a longer detection window, making it more reliable for determining long-term substance use. They provide employers with enhanced accuracy, ensuring compliance with zero-tolerance policies, and are more challenging to alter.
One of the standout advantages of hair follicle testing in Brisbane, CA, is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, employers gain a comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance history. This broader timeframe helps ensure informed hiring and retention decisions, providing peace of mind through clarity and coverage.
Hair follicle tests in Brisbane, CA offer a tamper-resistant testing method that diminishes the chances of sample adulteration. These tests provide reliable and unquestionable outcomes, giving employers peace of mind regarding the integrity of the results. The collection process further ensures that samples remain uncontaminated and trustworthy.
With testing centers nationwide, as well as local sites in Brisbane, CA, our services are convenient and readily accessible. This extensive location network ensures that both individuals and businesses can quickly access testing, saving time and simplifying the process. We strive to offer hassle-free access to our comprehensive drug testing services.
In Brisbane, CA, the drug testing process is crafted to be simple and confidential. From ordering to results delivery, each step ensures privacy and ease. Clients can trust that their information remains secure throughout, with a clear pathway from test administration to receiving results, easing any potential concerns about confidentiality.
Our competitive pricing and quick processing times in Brisbane, CA make drug testing affordable without sacrificing quality. We aim to provide excellent value, offering swift turnaround on results for companies of all sizes. This efficiency coupled with cost-effectiveness ensures businesses receive the best service possible.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Brisbane, CA. These tests deliver highly accurate results, swiftly identifying substance use without the delay associated with other methods. Employers benefit from the reliability of these tests, ensuring they receive trustworthy information for critical decision-making.
For employers in Brisbane, CA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method supports a safer work environment by minimizing legal risks and ensuring adherence to regulations. Employers can enjoy peace of mind, knowing they are implementing a robust drug prevention strategy that is reliable and effective.