Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a formidable method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The fibers of growing hair strands capture biomarkers, offering an extended historical record of alcohol and drug use. When hair is taken from the scalp, it provides an approximate 3-month detection period for substances and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is missing, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair denotes all remaining hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for processing a drug test involves four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening is a preliminary quick assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that register a presumptive positive in Screening mandate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is obtained from the original sample for Extraction. In Extraction, substances are drawn from hair at a much reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used to confirm any positive Screening results. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the evaluation inspects the hair strand, not the sub-scalp hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests in Meridian, CA. The superior detection ability of hair testing is due to its longer detection windows and higher reliability. Unlike the urine test, which is best for recent drug use, hair tests document substance history over months, providing a comprehensive understanding of drug use behaviors.
In Meridian, CA, hair follicle tests provide an extended detection window for drug use, spanning up to 90 days. Employers benefit from this broader look at an applicant's substance history, gaining valuable insights into their potential employee's past behaviors. This comprehensive approach helps organizations make informed hiring decisions, maintaining a safe work environment.
Hair follicle drug tests in Meridian, CA, are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature. By analyzing hair samples, the tests offer robust protection against sample tampering or adulteration, which is more common in urine testing. This leads to reliable and trustworthy results, providing peace of mind to employers concerned about sample validity.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Meridian, CA. With numerous centers, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. This ease of access ensures that testing aligns smoothly with both personal and organizational schedules, making the process seamless for all parties involved.
In Meridian, CA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. Ordering, completing, and obtaining results are streamlined tasks, addressing concerns about privacy. Clients can feel assured that their personal information and test results are handled with utmost confidentiality, making the process stress-free and secure.
Meridian, CA, offers hair follicle drug testing services known for their affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. This combination delivers unparalleled value to businesses of various sizes, ensuring they receive outstanding services without breaking the budget. Quick results enable quick decision-making, providing peace of mind at a reasonable cost.
In Meridian, CA, hair follicle drug testing is recognized for its exceptional accuracy and quick results. Tests are performed with precision, offering rapid insights into substance usage. This efficiency is vital for employers and individuals alike, ensuring informed decisions can be made promptly. Hair testing provides high confidence in results, helping to trust the data's integrity.
For employers in Meridian, CA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety by deterring drug use and promoting a healthier work environment. Employers find peace of mind knowing that thorough and reliable testing backs their compliance efforts.
