Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drug use by encasing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analytes, and tests over 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It’s recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. When citing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results encompasses four phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a lab’s infrastructure. Steps include ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any pending data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, any positive finding needs confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive in the Screening step, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations far lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug testing stands as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo a washing process before confirmation as required. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hardwick, CA
The advantages of hair testing over urine tests are distinct, particularly in detection efficiency. Hair tests remain superior, offering unmatched accuracy and assessing long-term substance use reliably. In Hardwick, CA, choose hair testing for the comprehensive overview it provides on drug usage histories.
Extended Detection Window in Hardwick, CA
Hair follicle testing grants insights into drug consumption over a broad timeframe, often up to 90 days, giving employers a versatile view of substance habits. In Hardwick, CA, leverage this method for thorough evaluations of applicant and employee drug usage histories.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hardwick, CA
The robustness of hair follicle drug tests lies in their resistance to tampering. Reduce the risks associated with sample manipulation, ensuring dependable results. In Hardwick, CA, achieve outcome assurances that are reliable and meticulously verified.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hardwick, CA
Our network of testing centers makes accessing services simple, fast, and without hassle. From Hardwick, CA to across the nation, our availability ensures you receive timely and efficient testing when you need it.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hardwick, CA
The procedure for ordering, undertaking, and receiving test results is straightforward and private, ensuring a seamless experience. In Hardwick, CA, your confidentiality is our priority, making this process smooth and stress-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hardwick, CA
Benefit from our competitive pricing models and swift response times, providing excellent service value. In Hardwick, CA, we cater to businesses of any size, offering peace of mind with our quick and economical test solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hardwick, CA
Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and speed in identifying substance use. This method ensures high accuracy, delivering fast and reliable results for individuals and employers alike. In Hardwick, CA, trust our testing services for your substance detection needs. With advanced technology, we provide clear insights into drug use patterns.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hardwick, CA
Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, enhancing safety and minimizing legal repercussions. In Hardwick, CA, trust this method to keep your environment secure and compliant, offering reassurance to all stakeholders.