Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair contains a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion with approximately 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advise measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent body hair amount can be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample in a lab’s framework. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a swift initial check for drug presence. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient measure to rule out drug usage in most cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to be permissible in legal proceedings. Samples that indicate a provisional positive in Screening warrant a secondary confirmation.
In the event a sample registers a provisional positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive from screening occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All provisional positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Carmichael, CA.
The benefits of hair testing over urine testing lie in its superior detection capabilities. While urine tests are popular, hair tests offer better accuracy and reliability. Employers favor it for its unbiased reliability, giving a clear assessment of an individual’s drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Carmichael, CA.
Hair follicle testing is praised for its long detection period, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This feature provides a comprehensive overview, beneficial for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free environment while evaluating an employee or applicant’s history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Carmichael, CA.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. This ensures reliability and accuracy in each result, as the collection process is supervised and difficult to manipulate, making it a trusted choice for professionals.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Carmichael, CA.
Accessibility is a key benefit of choosing our hair testing services, with testing centers available nationwide. This network allows easy, quick, and hassle-free access to drug testing in any location.
Simple, Confidential Process in Carmichael, CA.
Our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to be stress-free, addressing any privacy concerns that might arise.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Carmichael, CA.
Our hair follicle drug tests balance cost-effectiveness with quick results, making us an excellent value choice for businesses of any size looking for reliable testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Carmichael, CA.
Hair follicle drug testing provides speed and precision unmatched by other methods. Known for its ability to deliver fast outcomes, this test ensures accuracy in identifying drug use, offering peace of mind with every analysis.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Carmichael, CA.
Employers find compliance with drug-free policies more manageable through hair follicle testing. It minimizes legal risks and promotes a safe working environment, contributing to overall workplace harmony and safety.
