Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can offer about a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hairs (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for preliminary screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional screenings, or panels beyond ten, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory evaluation of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage of entering a sample into the laboratory’s system. This includes verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing information not already included electronically.
Screening provides a rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it's a cost-effective method for initially ruling out drug use, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much finer concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing as needed. The complete lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is subjected to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle located beneath the scalp.
In Northwest Marin, CA, hair follicle testing is often preferred over urine testing due to enhanced detection capabilities. Hair tests reach beyond the 5-day window of urine tests, offering broader insight into substance use behavior.
Furthermore, hair tests provide unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Their longer detection span and resistance to tampering make them superior to conventional urine tests.
Employers in Northwest Marin, CA benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests. These tests reliably report substance use for up to 90 days, delivering well-rounded insight into an individual's history.
This comprehensive timeframe allows employers to adequately assess potential hires or current employees, securing a drug-free workplace.
In Northwest Marin, CA, hair follicle testing is renowned for its robust tamper-resistant qualities. The hair sample is collected and handled in a way that significantly reduces the risk of adulteration.
This method provides unquestionable reliability and assures both employers and clients of its authenticity in drug screening.
Our nationwide network of testing centers ensures that individuals and employers in Northwest Marin, CA can easily access hair follicle testing services.
This convenient accessibility means quick and hassle-free testing, catering to all types of testing requirements effectively and efficiently.
The process for hair follicle testing in Northwest Marin, CA is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering tests is straightforward, with results being handled discreetly.
We prioritize privacy and ease, ensuring that clients feel secure in the knowledge that their information is protected throughout the testing process.
Offering competitive pricing and fast results, hair follicle testing in Northwest Marin, CA, provides excellent value. Our pricing structures are affordable for companies of all sizes.
These benefits coupled with a quick turnaround provide peace of mind for businesses, ensuring that they can maintain safe workplace environments without breaking the bank.
The speed and precision in delivering results make hair follicle testing in Northwest Marin, CA highly reliable. Hair analysis is exceptionally accurate in identifying substances, providing rapid answers to critical questions about drug use.
With quick turnaround times, employers can make prompt, informed decisions. Hair testing's efficient process ensures results are both fast and trustworthy.
Using hair follicle testing in Northwest Marin, CA can greatly enhance compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks associated with workplace drug use.
The thorough nature of hair testing reassures employers of a safe and compliant work environment, fostering peace of mind and trust.
