Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within its strands. When hair is taken near the scalp, it offers a detection window of up to 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and comprising about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, ideal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG tests, additions, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is advisable. If scalp hair can't be used, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. Scalp hair refers solely to hair from the head, while body hair encompasses other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The process of analyzing a drug test result in a lab involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the first phase where a sample is processed into the lab system. This step includes verifying sample integrity, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any extra data input not addressed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for drug use. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples thought to be positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair in a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), showcasing why hair drug testing is among the most complex methods.
Confirmation of any positive result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumed positive undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair program and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug tests:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
When compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Manhattan Beach, CA, offers unparalleled advantages. Hair testing provides superior detection windows, making it a preferred method for identifying drug use. The reliability of hair follicle testing far exceeds that of urine tests, which are limited in detecting long-term substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Manhattan Beach, CA, allows for drug use detection over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Many tests face challenges with tampering, but hair follicle tests reduce these risks significantly. In Manhattan Beach, CA, this tamper-resistant method ensures the integrity of the sample remains intact, delivering reliable and unquestionable results you can depend on.
With numerous testing centers nationwide and locally in Manhattan Beach, CA, accessing our hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Clients enjoy the convenience and ease of quick local and national testing, ensuring efficient and timely procedures without the stress of distant travel.
The process of hair follicle drug testing in Manhattan Beach, CA, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, each step prioritizes privacy and ease of use, assuring clients of a stress-free experience.
In Manhattan Beach, CA, our hair follicle testing provides robust solutions at competitive prices. We commit to fast turnarounds, giving businesses peace of mind with exceptional value and assurance to meet company standards efficiently.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Manhattan Beach, CA, reflect their superiority in substance detection. Unlike traditional methods, these tests offer rapid results without sacrificing accuracy. Employers and professionals alike are increasingly recognizing the value of hair testing for its ability to swiftly detect drug use with remarkable accuracy.
Employers in Manhattan Beach, CA, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal exposure but also enhances the safety and productivity of the workplace, fostering a secure environment for all.
