Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying both alcohol and drug consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers throughout their growth, offering an extended timeline of substance use. When obtained near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol consumption over a span of roughly three months. It is straightforward to collect, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
To secure a sample for analysis and verification, a 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 strands (around #2 pencil thickness) nearest the scalp, equating to 100mg, is optimal. For tests including EtG, add-ons, or exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to determine the sample's weight. In instances where scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may suffice. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The process for processing a drug test result in a lab includes four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the integration of a sample into a lab's system. This process verifies the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any necessary information not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary and swift assessment for potential substance abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drugs in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in Extraction. This step involves deriving drugs from hair at reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Confirmation necessitates cleansing all presumptively positive samples prior. The entire lab procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is actually conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle within the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fellows, CA
Hair testing excels over traditional urine tests with superior accuracy and reliability. It offers a wider detection window, catching substances missed by urine analysis. Consequently, it's the preferred choice for thorough and dependable drug testing.
Extended Detection Window in Fellows, CA
Hair follicle testing provides a comprehensive look at substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window allows employers to assess an applicant's or employee’s longer-term behavior, offering a fuller picture of their drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fellows, CA
The integrity of hair follicle tests makes them resistant to manipulation, ensuring that samples remain unaltered. This results in tests that deliver reliable and undisputed outcomes, crucial for maintaining trust in testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fellows, CA
Our network of nationwide testing centers simplifies access, offering streamlined and convenient testing services. This ensures quick and uncomplicated service for all testing needs, with local options readily available.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fellows, CA
The hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and private. Users experience ease throughout—from ordering to testing to receiving results—addressing privacy concerns and enhancing user convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fellows, CA
Our competitive pricing and swift response times provide excellent value for businesses of any size. With budget-friendly options and quick turnaround, customers can trust the quality and efficiency of our services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fellows, CA
Hair follicle drug tests set the standard for accuracy and rapid results. Compared to traditional methods, this test provides precise identification of substance use, ensuring reliable and fast analysis, making it an invaluable tool for critical decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fellows, CA
Implementing hair follicle tests helps maintain adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal risks. Employers gain peace of mind knowing their environment is safe and compliant, enhancing overall workplace security.
