Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a robust instrument for the detection of alcohol and drug use. The hair fibers encapsulate biomarkers as they grow, offering a prolonged historical account of substance use. When a sample is taken near the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month window for detecting substances like alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and effortless to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, additional elements, or over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It’s suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be present, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for determining a drug test outcome primarily includes four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a specimen is initially processed into the lab's system. This step involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data logging not done by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary quick evaluation for abused drugs. This step is economical in ruling out drug usage for most specimens. However, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility, as any presumptive positives in Screening require secondary confirmation.
When a sample tests positive presumptively in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted at lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening particularly challenging technically.
Confirmation of any positively screened results is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary. The lab process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is examined according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Dunlap Acres, CA, surpasses urine testing by offering higher accuracy and reliability. Its superior detection capabilities make it a preferred choice for ensuring a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection period up to 90 days in Dunlap Acres, CA, offering employers a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history.
In Dunlap Acres, CA, hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering, providing reliable results. This makes it a favored method for ensuring test accuracy.
In Dunlap Acres, CA, enjoy convenient and efficient access to testing services through our network of nationwide centers. Quick and easy tests enable seamless compliance with no hassle.
Our hair testing services in Dunlap Acres, CA, are defined by a straightforward and private process. Experience ease and confidentiality from ordering to result retrieval.
In Dunlap Acres, CA, we offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing, addressing the needs of businesses with affordability and efficiency.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Dunlap Acres, CA, ensures nearly infallible detection of substance use. This testing method excels in both speed and accuracy, making it a preferred choice for meaningful insights into substance habits.
Employers in Dunlap Acres, CA, gain compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle tests. They align with drug-free policies, minimize legal risks, and boost workplace safety.
