Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing captures biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand, offering an extended glimpse into one's substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair provides up to a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, making it challenging to tamper with and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil), cut close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is preferred. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. The term 'head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test consists of four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage, where a sample is incorporated into the laboratory system. This process involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. While it's a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for it to be valid in court. Any samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation tests.
In cases of presumptive positives during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for further preparation in the Extraction phase. This stage involves extracting drugs from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), leading to a higher complexity in hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screen results is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positives undergo washing as needed. The comprehensive process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually involves the hair strand, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Monument Hills, CA Hair testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests, including
Extended Detection Window in Monument Hills, CA Hair follicle testing is a valuable method for detecting drug use over an extended period, often up to 90 days. This extended window provides employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history, making it an essential tool for informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Monument Hills, CA Hair follicle testing substantially reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results. This method's resistance to tampering makes it a trusted option for drug testing, providing certainty and eliminating doubts about the outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Monument Hills, CA Our extensive network of testing centers ensures quick and hassle-free access to testing services, whether locally in Monument Hills or across the nation. This convenience supports individuals and businesses needing reliable testing services without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Monument Hills, CA Our hair follicle testing procedure prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality,
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Monument Hills, CA We offer competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times,
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Monument Hills, CA Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed, ensuring reliable outcomes. While delivering high accuracy, these tests efficiently detect substance use, enabling employers to make informed decisions. Their capability to quickly produce reliable results makes them an excellent choice in monitoring drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Monument Hills, CA By employing hair follicle testing, employers can reinforce their commitment to a drug-free workplace. This method helps ensure compliance with policies, reduces legal risks, and fosters a safer work environment, providing peace of mind for both employers and employees.
