Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Using hair allows for a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the newly forming hair strand. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can offer roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An optimal sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a hair drug test includes four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the sample's initial incorporation into the laboratory's system. Steps entail confirming the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase entails a preliminary rapid assessment for potential drug use. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug use for most samples, any positive results from Screening must undergo confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that screen as presumably positive require additional confirmation.
Should a sample screen as presumably positive in the initial phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for the Extraction phase. Here, drug components are isolated from the hair at concentrations much lower than those found in other methods (such as urine or saliva), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screen results is done through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All supposed positive samples get washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, gets reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests", the testing is conducted on the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle tests in Greenview, CA provide more accurate and dependable results. The advantages of hair testing are clear, offering an extended detection timeframe and reducing opportunities for manipulation, ensuring a reliable read on an individual's substance history. It is a robust alternative for those seeking thoroughness and integrity.
With the ability to detect drug use up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Greenview, CA grants an expansive view into an individual’s substance history. For employers, this ensures a comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's relationship with substances, offering insights impossible to achieve with shorter-term testing methods like urine tests.
The design of hair follicle tests in Greenview, CA significantly minimizes the chance of tampering, ensuring results that are sturdy and credible. By choosing such a testing method, the risks associated with sample adulteration are greatly reduced, offering peace of mind to those depending on accurate substance use assessments.
With conveniently located testing centers throughout Greenview, CA, as part of a nationwide network, obtaining a hair follicle test is straightforward and stress-free. These facilities offer rapid and accessible solutions, providing customers with timely and efficient testing experiences that are seamlessly integrated into their regular routines.
Our process in Greenview, CA for ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle tests is both straightforward and confidential. We aim to alleviate concerns regarding privacy and user-friendliness, making the entire experience as discreet and uncomplicated as possible for the utmost client satisfaction.
Featuring competitive pricing and expedient turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Greenview, CA present significant value for organizations of all sizes. Affordable costs and rapid results ensure businesses can access reliable testing solutions without straining their budgets, fulfilling their need for efficiency and reassurance.
Hair follicle drug testing in Greenview, CA offers swift precision in detecting substance use, ensuring results that are both fast and highly dependable. This method delivers a high degree of accuracy, making it a preferred option for those who value reliability in their testing processes. Choosing hair testing means choosing efficiency and trustworthiness.
Incorporating hair follicle testing in Greenview, CA assures compliance with drug-free policies in the workplace, reducing potential legal liabilities and promoting a secure environment. Establishments can trust that this method supports their safety protocols by reliably determining substance use and helping maintain peace of mind among employers.
