Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a significant mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by encasing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When procured near the scalp, such hair provides around a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect hair, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about #2 pencil diameter) nearest to the scalp results in a 100mg hair collection, the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or beyond 10-panel examinations, gathering 150mg is advisable. It's prudent to use a jeweler’s scale for measuring the hair sample. If head hair isn't an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in the laboratory procedure for generating a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes its initial procedural handling in a laboratory's framework. This involves ensuring correct sealing and shipping of the sample, designating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing up any extra data input not already handled by an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening pertains to the initial rapid assessment for substance abuse presence. While it offers an economical approach to dismiss drug use across most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample indicate presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the primary sample for Extraction preparation. In this stage, substances are drawn from the hair at lower concentrations than witnessed in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus marking hair drug screening as a particularly challenging approach.
Confirmation for any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples showing presumptive positivity are washed as required before confirmation. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning through to Confirmation is verified following both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and in line with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these assessments are conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carmel Valley, CA: Hair tests offer superior detection and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, which provide a limited detection window, hair testing reveals drug use over a much longer period, providing a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history. This makes it invaluable for employers looking to enforce strict drug-free policies and ensure workplace safety.
Extended Detection Window in Carmel Valley, CA: Hair follicle testing can reveal drug use for up to 90 days. This extends the detection period beyond the week-long range of urine tests, enabling employers to gain insights into long-term habits of applicants or employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carmel Valley, CA: Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering. Unlike urine tests, which are more susceptible to adulteration, hair tests provide reliable and indisputable results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carmel Valley, CA: Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to nationwide testing centers. This ensures that drug testing services are quick, simple, and hassle-free for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carmel Valley, CA: The procedure for ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and private. This process respects the confidentiality concerns of all parties involved while maintaining simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carmel Valley, CA: With competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, companies in Carmel Valley can avail exceptional value and reassurance with our drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carmel Valley, CA: Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and speed. They offer high accuracy when detecting various substances, making them a dependable choice for employers and agencies alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carmel Valley, CA: Hair follicle testing can aid in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By choosing hair tests, employers can reduce legal risks while enhancing safety and reliability in their work environment.
