Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Viewed as a crucial means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers significant insights. Hair encapsulates a longitudinal record of alcohol and drug use by capturing indicators within the strands' fibers as they grow. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal consumption details for up to about three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment, approximately 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp, provides 100mg, the perfect quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or those beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is permissible. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory workflow comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails introducing a sample into a lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipping, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input absent in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial assessment for substance misuse. Although cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most cases, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed to hold up legally. Hence, samples deemed positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
Upon receiving a positive Screening result, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction, where the concentration of extracted drugs is much lower compared to methods like urine or oral fluid, thus making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Inglewood, CA
When comparing hair testing to urine analysis, the former demonstrates superior accuracy and reliability. Hair tests have a broader detection window, capturing a 90-day history, offering a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Inglewood, CA
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability allows employers to review a long-term picture of an individual's substance use, beneficial for assessing both applicants and current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Inglewood, CA
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering, providing secure and trustworthy results. This method ensures the integrity of the test, making it virtually immune to adulteration or manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Inglewood, CA
Our nationwide and local testing centers offer convenience, ensuring quick and accessible testing services. This widespread availability provides hassle-free access for individuals requiring testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Inglewood, CA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward, ensuring confidentiality from ordering to receiving results. This emphasis on privacy and simplicity alleviates concerns, making the procedure user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Inglewood, CA
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services provide excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective solutions and swift delivery of results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Inglewood, CA
The precision and speed of hair follicle tests are unmatched, offering highly accurate detection of substance use. This method ensures fast and dependable results, making it a trusted option for employers and legal entities alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Inglewood, CA
Using hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It minimizes legal issues and promotes a safer work environment, providing employers with reassurance and peace of mind.
