Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer an estimated 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch length sample of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn’t present, a comparable amount of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The crucial stages in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s infrastructure. This step involves ensuring that the sample is appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive in the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicated as presumptive positive are washed prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dorrington, CA
When comparing hair follicle to urine tests, hair testing offers superior benefits. It excels in detection accuracy, uncovering drug use patterns over a longer span. Urine tests can only detect recent use, whereas hair tests cover up to 90 days, providing a broader history of substance intake.
Extended Detection Window in Dorrington, CA
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it reveals drug use for up to 90 days. This capability offers employers a comprehensive overview of an employee’s substance habits, enhancing the evaluation process.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dorrington, CA
Hair follicle testing is inherently resistant to tampering. The nature of sample collection and analysis minimizes the risks of adulteration. This ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy, eliminating doubts about the outcome.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dorrington, CA
Our testing centers are conveniently located nationwide, including Dorrington, CA. This broad network ensures that testing services are easily accessible, providing hassle-free processes for individuals and employers alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dorrington, CA
Our hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness, addressing any concerns over confidentiality and ease of use efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dorrington, CA
With competitive pricing structures, our services offer great value, catering to businesses of all sizes. Our quick turnaround times guarantee prompt results, providing companies the peace of mind they require at an accessible cost.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dorrington, CA
Hair follicle testing provides quick and precise results. This method stands out for its exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use, making it a preferred choice for many establishments. Whether it’s for employment or legal purposes, the reliability of hair tests ensures dependable results every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dorrington, CA
Hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with workplace policies. By utilizing this method, employers can be confident they're adhering to drug-free regulations, preventing legal complications, and fostering a safe work environment.
