Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
In recent times, hair testing has been recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers inside the fibers of growing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, it resists tampering, and is simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair specimen is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing sequence for a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is entered into a laboratory’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was accurately sealed and transported, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. Screening is an economical method for excluding drug use in most samples; however, a positive screen needs confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that show a presumptive positive result during Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and made ready for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result takes place via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Caution: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine tests in Mountain House, CA. With better detection accuracy and reliability, it provides a longer detection window and reduces the chances of result tampering.
Extended Detection Window
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Mountain House, CA, is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This allows employers to gather a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle drug tests greatly reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration. This method provides reliable and unquestionable results, setting a higher standard for integrity in testing processes in Mountain House, CA.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations
With locations across the nation, testing services in Mountain House, CA are readily accessible, making the process quick, convenient, and hassle-free for all.
Simple, Confidential Process
Ordering and conducting hair follicle drug tests is simplified with a process that ensures privacy and ease of use. Confidence in confidentiality makes testing in Mountain House, CA straightforward and worry-free.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Quick turnaround times and competitive pricing define hair follicle testing in Mountain House, CA. These features provide value and assurance, regardless of company size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
The hair follicle drug test delivers impressive precision and quick turnaround times, ensuring the detection of substance use with high accuracy. This method’s speed and reliability make it a preferred choice for those seeking definitive results when testing in Mountain House, CA.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Mountain House, CA can gain compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing. This helps reduce legal risks and contributes to a safer work environment.
