Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained a reputation as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive timeline of substance exposure by capturing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, it can provide a detection span of up to 90 days for various substances. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for transportation.
Collecting a 1.5-inch bundle of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, making it the optimal quantity for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair indicate scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample’s initial entry into the lab's system, ensuring it was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any needed data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary inspection for potential drug use. Though cost-efficient for initial assessment, a positive screening requires further validation for legal acceptance. Any samples yielding a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation step.
In cases of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are employed for confirming any positive screening outcomes. Before confirmation, all samples initially testing positive are thoroughly cleaned as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite common references to "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand and not the sub-surface follicle.
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests, the former excels in multiple areas. In Emerald Lake Hills, CA, hair testing provides enhanced accuracy and dependability.
Urine tests might miss long-term substance history, whereas hair tests capture extended periods, ensuring comprehensive assessments.Emerald Lake Hills, CA, employers favor hair follicle testing for its prolonged detection capabilities. With a window of up to 90 days, it offers insights into an individual's past substance use.
Comprehensive views of drug history help in informed decision-making, employability, and promoting a drug-free workspace.In Emerald Lake Hills, CA, hair follicle tests represent a robust solution to tampering concerns. The testing process restricts sample adulteration, ensuring authentic outcomes.
Such tamper-resistant features solidify hair tests as the gold standard, preventing manipulation and ensuring the integrity of results.
Serving Emerald Lake Hills, CA, our testing centers provide unmatched convenience. With nationwide coverage, accessing our services is straightforward and efficient.
Local centers, alongside a national network, offer swift and hassle-free testing experiences, catering to varied client needs promptly.
For those in Emerald Lake Hills, CA, ordering and undertaking hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. Each step, from request to result, prioritizes privacy.
This process dismisses complications, whether concerning how to take the test or obtaining results, ensuring user-friendly and discreet handling.
Emerald Lake Hills, CA, benefits from our competitive pricing on hair follicle testing. Our company combines excellent value with rapid result delivery.
This fast turnaround matched with affordable options suits businesses of all scales, offering exceptional service and peace of mind.
In Emerald Lake Hills, CA, hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in precision and swiftness. Speed and accuracy are at the forefront of these tests, meeting the high standards required for substance detection.
Notably, these tests successfully capture drug use, ensuring reliable data. Immediate results offer peace of mind for employers and clients alike.
Having peace of mind in Emerald Lake Hills, CA, involves ensuring compliance with drug-free policies utilizing hair follicle tests. This method minimizes legal risks, emphasizing safety.
For employers, adopting hair testing marks a significant step towards fostering a secure working environment and safeguarding operational integrity.
