Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol use. By embedding biomarkers within the strands, hair offers a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug consumption. When hair samples are collected near the scalp, they can reveal substance usage up to nearly three months back. The collection of hair is straightforward, has a low potential for tampering, and can be transported with ease.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length consisting of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to verify the sample weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. It includes confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data that is not captured through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. While Screening is an economical approach to dismiss potential drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening must undergo Confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial collection and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing and traditional urine tests in El Segundo, CA, the former shows significant advantages. Hair testing surpasses urine tests in detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which are limited in scope, hair tests uncover substance use over a longer period, making it a preferred choice for employers and authorities seeking a robust screening tool.
In El Segundo, CA, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, making it invaluable for comprehensive drug use assessments. This method provides employers with critical insights into an individual’s substance history, surpassing the shorter detection capabilities of urine tests. Such extensive tracking ensures a thorough understanding of an employee’s drug use profile.
Hair follicle drug tests stand out as a highly tamper-resistant method in El Segundo, CA. The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced with hair samples since they cannot be easily manipulated like urine samples. This reliability assures employers and authorities of unquestionable results, aligning with stringent standards and promoting trust in the testing process.
Convenience is key with our extensive network of testing centers in El Segundo, CA, and nationwide. Our facilities ensure testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free, providing clients with ready access to comprehensive testing solutions. This accessibility facilitates efficient scheduling and navigation to the nearest center, ensuring a seamless testing experience.
Our hair drug testing process in El Segundo, CA, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering and conducting tests, along with receiving results, are straightforward, ensuring an effective process for all participants. Privacy concerns are addressed comprehensively, making the experience comfortable for both businesses and individuals.
In El Segundo, CA, our pricing structures for hair follicle testing are competitive, providing excellent value along with fast turnaround times. This combination offers peace of mind for companies of various sizes, as they benefit from both affordability and efficiency. Our services ensure cost-effectiveness without compromising quality or accuracy.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests stand out in El Segundo, CA. These tests boast high accuracy, making them reliable for detecting substance use. The analysis conducted on hair samples ensures that even the smallest traces of drugs are identified, providing fast, accurate results that stakeholders can trust. The integrity of the testing method fosters confidence among employers and test takers alike.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in El Segundo, CA, allows employers to uphold strict drug-free workplace policies, providing peace of mind. Such testing reduces potential legal risks while enhancing safety within the workplace. Employers can confidently enforce compliance, knowing that hair tests offer dependable results and support a healthy working environment.
