Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For elevated tests like EtG or those over 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair may be sampled. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" pertains to all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The primary phases in lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This step involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, allotting a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While cost-effective for dismissing drug use across most samples, a positive outcome in Screening demands confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples with an initial positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screen is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Inverness, CA
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests, hair tests provide extended detection periods and reliable accuracy. This testing method can detect substance use for up to 90 days, while urine tests are limited to a shorter window. Hair tests offer more dependable results, reducing false negatives and improving trust in the process.
Prolonged Detection Timeline in Inverness, CA
Hair follicle tests offer the advantage of detecting drug use over a longer period, often up to 90 days. This provides employers with thorough insight into an individual's substance use history. By delivering a comprehensive window of detection, hair tests enable a complete assessment of an individual's past behaviors, crucial for making informed hiring decisions.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Inverness, CA
Hair follicle testing significantly diminishes the potential for tampering, offering reliable results. Unlike other testing forms, hair samples are scarcely prone to adulteration, ensuring genuine findings. This fortified testing approach gives employers the assurance of authentic outcomes, absolving doubts surrounding the integrity of the test process.
Nationwide Testing Convenience and Local Options in Inverness, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, complemented by local outlets in Inverness, offers unparalleled convenience. This accessibility ensures effortless and swift testing service utilization. Clients enjoy seamless access to facilities, minimizing disruptions and streamlining the entire testing experience.
Effortless and Confidential Process in Inverness, CA
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential, from order initiation to results delivery. Addressing privacy concerns, this approach ensures information security and discretion. Clients experience easing steps throughout, making the testing process simple, secure, and worry-free, reinforcing trust among all participants.
Cost-Effective and Quick Solutions in Inverness, CA
Our pricing for hair follicle testing is competitive, combined with rapid turnaround times, offering excellent value for organizations of various sizes. Clients benefit from swift and trustworthy results at affordable rates, alleviating financial burdens while receiving valuable insights into substance use.
Precision and Speedy Outcomes in Inverness, CA
Hair follicle testing excels in providing fast, precise results. Within just a few days, this method can uncover substance use with outstanding accuracy. Employing cutting-edge analysis technologies, these tests yield reliable, indisputable conclusions. The swift results allow organizations to make informed decisions without lengthy delays.
Ensuring Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Inverness, CA
Adopting hair follicle testing aids employers in maintaining a drug-free work environment, mitigating legal risks. This method aligns with workplace policies, fostering safety and compliance. By delivering actionable insights and precise assessments, hair testing elevates employer confidence, promoting a healthier workplace atmosphere.
