Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged account of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement of the specimen. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirming the correct sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry that is not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage in the bulk of samples, a positive screen requires verification to be acceptable in legal settings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to execute.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Malibu employers find hair follicle testing superior to urine tests due to its higher detection accuracy. While urine tests are common, hair tests provide unmatched precision, reducing false negatives and offering a more comprehensive evaluation of an individual's substance use history. This accuracy fortifies workplace policies and safety measures.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Malibu provides a deeper insight into long-term drug use. Hair tests enable employers to glean a detailed view of an applicant's or employee's history, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of potential substance use over time.
Hair follicle testing in Malibu, CA is renowned for being a tamper-resistant method. Unlike urine samples, hair tests are less susceptible to adulteration. This makes them a reliable choice for verifying drug use, minimizing the risk of dishonest tampering or sample manipulation effectively.
The convenience of nationwide testing locations, including local centers in Malibu, CA, makes access to drug testing services effortless. Our widespread facilities ensure hassle-free testing, providing quick and easy assessments that fit seamlessly into professional and personal schedules.
Facilitating a simple, confidential testing process in Malibu, CA, we prioritize privacy and user-friendliness. The straightforward procedure, from ordering to receiving results, respects individual privacy, ensuring a comfortable experience throughout.
We emphasize affordable pricing and swift turnaround times in Malibu, CA, ensuring that businesses of all sizes receive substantial value. Our competitive rates and efficient services offer peace of mind, making drug testing accessible and economical without compromising on quality.
Hair follicle drug tests in Malibu, CA deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests excel in evaluating substance use without delay, offering peace of mind through precision. Their high accuracy ensures a dependable assessment of drug use, helping to uphold drug-free environments effectively.
Employers in Malibu utilize hair follicle testing for compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method assures adherence to legal standards, reducing risks while enhancing safety. Such peace of mind is crucial for maintaining a secure work environment with minimal legal liabilities.
