Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug intake by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection range for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. In cases where scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The steps in laboratory processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves integrating the sample into the lab’s system. This step checks if the sample was correctly sealed and mailed, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial assessment for drug usage. While Screening serves as a cost-effective measure to eliminate drug use suspicions in most samples, a positive screening needs verification to be valid in court. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For samples with presumptive positives during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This step extracts drugs from hair in concentrations far lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as warranted. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Rancho Dominguez, CA showcases notable benefits of hair testing. It provides superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests offer a lengthier detection timeline, making it challenging to circumvent past drug use. This method offers a more reliable assessment of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in East Rancho Dominguez, CA is a significant benefit of hair follicle testing. It identifies drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough overview of substance histories.
This extended period is crucial for employers seeking consistent policies. Through comprehensive detection, the past habits of potential employees are firmly established.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East Rancho Dominguez, CA highlights how hair tests significantly deter sample tampering. Results are authentic and reliable, reducing adulteration risks.
With the observed nature of hair collection, the margin for test manipulation is minimal, ensuring that the integrity of the testing process is maintained throughout.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations including those in East Rancho Dominguez, CA offer unparalleled convenience. With centers nationwide, access to testing services is simultaneous and easy.
This vast network ensures that individuals can partake in testing without significant travel, making it a hassle-free experience for both employers and employees.
Simple, Confidential Process in East Rancho Dominguez, CA assures a straightforward and confidential testing protocol. Order, testing, and results are handled with utmost privacy.
This user-friendly process alleviates privacy concerns, guaranteeing that personal information remains protected throughout the entirety of the procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East Rancho Dominguez, CA underlines competitive pricing for hair tests. Offering value, rapid results provide peace of mind for companies.
This efficient service not only ensures satisfaction with the speed of results but also with the cost-effectiveness, making it accessible to businesses of various sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Rancho Dominguez, CA highlight the precision of hair follicle tests. These tests boast high accuracy, quickly detecting substance use.
The speed at which results are delivered combined with reliability ensures that businesses are always informed promptly about the status of their employees. This rapid assessment method guarantees a safer workplace environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Rancho Dominguez, CA are guaranteed through hair follicle tests. They ensure alignment with drug-free policies while mitigating legal risks.
Implementing this testing raises workplace safety and adherence to guidelines, offering employers the peace of mind that a compliant and safe environment is maintained.