Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have become recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. Hair records a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug ingestion by encapsulating biomarkers within the threads of the emerging hair fiber. When sourced near the scalp, hair may offer approximately a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.
A sample size measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test outcome consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step comprises confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for drug misuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen needs further confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples showing preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate a follow-up verification.
Should a sample exhibit preliminary positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is removed from the original sample and readied for Extraction. At this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result occurs using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected of being positive undergo a cleansing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coloma, CA
When comparing hair follicle tests with traditional urine tests, the former excels in offering longer detection periods and greater accuracy. Hair testing is less susceptible to tampering and provides a more comprehensive analysis, outperforming urine tests in reliability and precision for detecting substance use across weeks or months.
Extended Detection Window in Coloma, CA
Hair follicle testing extends the window of detection to up to 90 days, offering an enhanced glimpse into an individual's history of use. For employers in Coloma, this test provides a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance use, far exceeding the capabilities of other testing methods in terms of duration and coverage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Coloma, CA
Hair follicle tests dramatically minimize tampering risks, presenting a robust alternative for those seeking reliable testing processes. Compared to urine tests, which can be altered, hair testing in Coloma ensures authentic results through its resilient collection and analysis process, securing data integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coloma, CA
Our vast network of testing centers offers ease and accessibility, allowing individuals to undergo testing in Coloma and across the country without hassle. This ensures that testing is not only accessible but also streamlined, saving valuable time and effort for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coloma, CA
The process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and entirely confidential, prioritizing user privacy at every step. From ordering the test to receiving the results, individuals are assured a seamless experience, administered quickly and privately in Coloma.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coloma, CA
With competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, our services provide unmatched value for businesses. Whether small or large, companies in Coloma benefit from our cost-effective and efficient approach to drug testing, securing peace of mind with our prompt and accurate services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coloma, CA
Hair follicle drug tests offer precise and rapid results, essential for employers in Coloma seeking swift and reliable substance use assessments. The accuracy of hair testing makes it an invaluable tool for confirming substance presence, ensuring complete confidence in the results obtained.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coloma, CA
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal concerns while enhancing safety standards for employees. This method facilitates compliance and provides assurance against potential substance-related workplace incidents.
