Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and other drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered close to the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair is a substitute. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This encompasses confirming that the sample was sealed and sent correctly, designating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as determined. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kingsburg, CA: Hair testing notably excels beyond traditional urine methods in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Its technology reveals drug use over wider periods, allowing fewer opportunities for evasion. Unlike urine tests, it ensures comprehensive substance history assessment, making it significantly more trustworthy and insightful.
Extended Detection Window in Kingsburg, CA: Hair testing stands out by identifying past drug use over an extended 90-day period. This method offers employers a thorough evaluation of an individual's substance history, thus providing valuable insight into their lifestyle. Unlike other tests, it assures a long-term perspective on substance use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kingsburg, CA: Hair follicle tests are designed to diminish risks of sample tampering. This technique secures reliable and indisputable results, building trust in testing procedures. The process, less susceptible to manipulation compared to other methods, ensures integrity and safeguards outcomes against potential adulteration threats.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kingsburg, CA: The widespread availability of our centers makes accessing hair testing services straightforward and stress-free. The easy reach to our facilities ensures swift processing, bringing convenience to clients seeking rapid and efficient testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kingsburg, CA: Our hair testing process is straightforward and private, from ordering to taking the test and receiving results. Clients enjoy a discreet and user-friendly experience, addressing concerns regarding privacy while maintaining a seamless approach to fulfill testing needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kingsburg, CA: We pride ourselves on competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times, delivering exceptional value for businesses. The strategic balance of cost-effectiveness and rapid results ensures satisfaction, appealing to companies of various sizes seeking reliable testing options.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kingsburg, CA: Hair follicle tests offer precise and swift outcomes, ensuring high levels of accuracy while detecting substance use. This methodology is praised for its speed and dependability, making it a preferred choice in modern drug testing practices and offering a robust reassurance of security and thoroughness for stakeholders.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kingsburg, CA: Implementing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing legal threats and heightening safety. This responsible practice grants businesses peace of mind while reinforcing their commitment to a secure and compliant work environment.
