Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term profile of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When sourced near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeline of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and it is convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising about 200 hairs (approximating a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, providing the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplemental, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair is usable. In discussing head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result encompass four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the sample's preliminary integration into a lab's framework. This step includes checking the sample's seal and shipment process, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not captured by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening is an economical way to dismiss drug use in most samples; however, a court-acceptable positive screen necessitates confirmation. Presumptively positive Screening samples require further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves drug extraction from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated as per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lennox, CA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests, primarily due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which may only reveal recent substance use, hair testing provides a more comprehensive history of use. This method stands out in terms of reliability, offering employers and agencies a more thorough understanding of a person's drug habits.
Hair follicle testing in Lennox, CA stands out for its ability to detect drug usage over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window gives employers valuable insights into an applicant or employee's substance use history, enabling more informed decisions compared to shorter detection periods typically offered by urine tests.
In Lennox, CA, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution for drug testing. The method's design significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering or substitution, providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This security makes hair testing an excellent choice for maintaining trusted outcomes.
Lennox, CA benefits from convenient testing locations thanks to our extensive network of nationwide centers. With these easily accessible sites, individuals and employers can schedule drug tests quickly and with minimal hassle, ensuring a streamlined and efficient testing experience.
In Lennox, CA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to providing samples and receiving results, each step ensures user privacy and convenience. This user-friendly approach addresses any concerns about the ease of use and confidentiality of the testing process.
Lennox, CA businesses of all sizes can take advantage of our competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This service offers excellent value, ensuring cost-effective testing without compromising on speed or accuracy, ultimately providing peace of mind for employers.
The exceptional precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug testing in Lennox, CA make it a preferred choice. These tests can accurately detect various substances used over an extended period, ensuring that results are both speedy and trustworthy. By opting for hair testing, you're getting access to a method that balances rapid processing times with high sensitivity.
Employers in Lennox, CA looking for peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies can rely on hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by offering a trustworthy means of ensuring employees adhere to company regulations regarding substance use.
