Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers as they grow, offering a historical record of alcohol and drug use. When sampled near the scalp, hair can present roughly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping, hair is an ideal specimen for testing.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), is needed to obtain 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. It's beneficial to use a jeweler’s scale for precise specimen measurement. If scalp hair isn’t an option, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. “Head hair” refers explicitly to scalp hair, while “body hair” encompasses all other hair categories (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the laboratory assessment of a drug test result encompass: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where the sample is logged into the lab system. This process verifies correct sealing and shipment, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary information not recorded by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial evaluation to detect substances of abuse. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug use in many samples, a positive screening must undergo confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening must receive additional verification.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, further hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are then extracted from the hair at concentrations lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Positive screening outcomes are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory sequence, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is meticulously reviewed following CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly described as "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing stand out over traditional urine tests in Lake Almanor Country Club, CA? The primary advantage lies in its superior detection sensitivity and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a longer window, catching substance use that might otherwise go undetected.
Employers in Lake Almanor Country Club, CA, prefer hair follicle testing for its extensive detection period of up to 90 days. This extended window provides a thorough look into a potential employee's or current worker's drug history, aiding in more informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
The reliability of hair follicle testing in Lake Almanor Country Club, CA, is thanks to its robust resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, guaranteeing that results remain credible and untampered.
Offering convenient access in Lake Almanor Country Club, CA, and across the nation, our testing centers are strategically located for easy access. This ensures a quick and seamless process, reducing hassle and providing efficient service to meet your testing needs.
In Lake Almanor Country Club, CA, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and discreet. From ordering to testing and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns over confidentiality or complexity.
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround are highlights of our services in Lake Almanor Country Club, CA. We offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that our pricing and result speeds meet expectations without compromise.
In Lake Almanor Country Club, CA, hair follicle tests are known for their rapid and accurate detection of substance use. The process is efficient, providing precise results that earn the trust of many. Their effectiveness ensures that any substance use is detected with a high level of specificity and reliability.
In Lake Almanor Country Club, CA, hair follicle testing assures employers of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Such testing not only mitigates legal liabilities but also promotes a safer workplace, providing peace of mind to employers adhering to stringent policies.
