Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of approximately 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for specimen weighing is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (including facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though cost-effective for excluding drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screening requires confirmation for court acceptance. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Larkspur, CA
When comparing the benefits, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests provide a longer detection window, minimizing the chances of avoiding detection, which makes it a more effective method for various requirements.
Extended Detection Window in Larkspur, CA
Hair follicle testing has an extended detection period for capturing drug history over up to 90 days. This long-term detection ability offers employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, proving highly useful in decision-making processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Larkspur, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of sample adulteration. With observed collection processes, the reliability and integrity of results are assured, making it extremely challenging for individuals to tamper with, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Larkspur, CA
With testing centers located nationwide, including in Larkspur, CA, accessing testing services is easy and hassle-free. This network guarantees quick and uncomplicated access to drug testing when needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Larkspur, CA
Ordering and undergoing a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and private, addressing privacy concerns efficiently. The confidential nature of the process ensures user comfort while maintaining discretion throughout.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Larkspur, CA
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times make our services valuable to companies of all sizes. This balance of cost and efficiency ensures businesses can rely on our testing services without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Larkspur, CA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and precision. They offer high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing quick and reliable results. The method's efficiency makes it a strong choice for those who prioritize rapid and accurate screenings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Larkspur, CA
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free policies within workplaces. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by providing a dependable way to monitor employee substance use.
