Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for detecting alcohol and drug use. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers a long-term record of substance use. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can present an approximately 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. Should scalp hair not be available, an equal amount of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four basic procedures in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow. Steps include confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use on most samples, any positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. All samples preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample test preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex method to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily positive are washed before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in La Riviera, CA
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. They cover a longer time frame, allowing for a comprehensive overview of substance use. This reliability comforts employers, ensuring adherence to zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in La Riviera, CA
Hair follicle testing's extended window, up to 90 days, allows employers to gain a clear picture of an individual's drug use timeline. This long-term detection method helps maintain a drug-free workplace by evaluating consistent patterns of use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in La Riviera, CA
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of specimen tampering. With an observed collection process, this method yields highly reliable and indisputable results, providing peace of mind regarding sample integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in La Riviera, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers provides effortless access to drug testing services. With locations spread nationwide, individuals can conveniently find a center nearby, ensuring seamless and hassle-free testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in La Riviera, CA
The hair follicle testing process is straightforward, maintaining confidentiality at all times. From ordering to result delivery, every step is designed to be user-friendly, making the process accessible and private for all individuals.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in La Riviera, CA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times offer outstanding value to businesses of all sizes. Quick results paired with cost-effectiveness ensure maximum satisfaction and peace of mind for employers seeking efficient testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in La Riviera, CA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision in detecting substance use. Their ability to offer fast results makes them ideal for time-sensitive needs. The advanced technology ensures high accuracy, providing reliable insights into an individual's drug history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in La Riviera, CA
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, diminishing legal concerns and bolstering safety. It’s a key component in promoting a drug-free environment, offering employers serenity through stringent adherence.
