Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely acknowledged as an effective means for identifying alcohol and drug use. The hair strands preserve biomarkers within their fibers, providing an extended history of substance usage. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can give up to a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, composed of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil), near the scalp, provides 100mg, the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels surpassing 10 types, 150mg is advised. It’s optimal to measure the specimen’s weight on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is inaccessible, an equal portion of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps involved in processing a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, the sample is preliminarily processed into the laboratory’s system, which involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court viability. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening need an additional confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration in comparison to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
For any positive screening result, Confirmation is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing - In Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. The superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing make it the preferred choice for many businesses. Hair tests provide a more comprehensive record of drug use history, reducing the chances of tampering and false-negative results.
Extended Detection Window - Hair follicle testing in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, offers an extensive detection window, capturing drug use history over the past 90 days. This feature allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use patterns, contributing to better hiring and monitoring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method - In Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, hair follicle tests are recognized for their resistance to sample tampering. Because of their method, it is significantly harder for individuals to alter results, ensuring tests remain credible and reliable, providing peace of mind to employers and authorities alike.
Convenient Testing Locations - With nationwide testing centers, including Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, accessing hair follicle testing services is easy and efficient. Our extensive network ensures that individuals can obtain testing without hassle, offering prompt service and a comfortable experience.
Simple, Confidential Process - The process of hair follicle testing in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, is straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step is designed to ensure participant confidentiality and ease, addressing common concerns about privacy and data security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround - Hair follicle tests in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, are competitively priced, offering value for businesses of all sizes. With quick turnaround times, companies can benefit from fast results while maintaining an economically sound testing strategy.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable - Hair follicle drug tests in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, are known for their speed and precision. They offer a high level of accuracy for detecting substance use, making them a dependable choice. The advanced technology used in these tests ensures quick processing times, allowing results to be delivered swiftly without compromising accuracy.
Compliance and Peace of Mind - Utilizing hair follicle testing in Murrieta Hot Springs, CA, supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace, ensuring the safety and well-being of all employees and maintaining a secure work environment.
