Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a potent mechanism for identifying substance use involving drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended record for tracing alcohol and drug consumption, as it captures biomarkers within the fibers of the burgeoning hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an identical volume of body hair may be obtained. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory analysis of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample in the laboratory’s system. This step includes validating that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective means to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be valid for legal purposes. Presumptive positives during Screening require an additional confirmation.
When a sample is presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair from the initial sample is selected and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
The confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite popular belief as "hair follicle tests", the test analyses the strand of hair rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers several benefits compared to conventional urine tests in Fresno, CA. One significant advantage is its unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Thanks to its extensive detection span, this method regularly outperforms urine testing in identifying patterns of substance use, ensuring robust results every time.
In Fresno, CA, hair follicle testing delivers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This comprehensive period enables employers to receive a detailed historical insight into an applicant or employee's substance use, providing a broader understanding than other tests might offer.
Offering a tamper-resistant approach, hair follicle testing in Fresno, CA, minimizes the threat of sample adulteration. This ensures that results are credible and trustworthy, making them invaluable for situations where integrity and accuracy are paramount.
With convenient nationwide testing venues and local access in Fresno, CA, our centers make testing a breeze. This widespread accessibility ensures that individuals can engage in testing conveniently and efficiently, without the hassle of long travels or delays.
Our hair follicle drug testing process in Fresno, CA is both simple and confidential. Clients are assured of a discreet process from order to result. Privacy is paramount, guaranteeing that individuals can trust in both ease of use and confidentiality.
For businesses in Fresno, CA, our hair follicle testing boasts affordable pricing combined with fast outcomes. The competitive structure delivers exceptional value, making it an ideal choice for companies of any size seeking quick and reliable testing solutions.
The hair follicle drug test is a benchmark for speed and accuracy in Fresno, CA. Offering results that precisely detect substance use, it surpasses many traditional methods. With advanced technology, these tests ensure rapid feedback to clients, making them a preferred choice for employers needing swift confirmation.
Employers in Fresno, CA, opting for hair follicle testing enjoy compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This decision not only mitigates legal concerns but also bolsters workplace safety, ensuring peace of mind and a secure environment for all.
