Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair, by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other drug exposure. When collected close to the root, hair can provide a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We propose using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses any other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step includes affirming the sample's integrity and proper shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate most samples from suspicion of drug use, a positive result mandates confirmation to be permissible in legal contexts. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate follow-up confirmation.
For samples that test positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
To confirm any positive findings from Screening, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples with a presumptive positive result undergo a cleansing step before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is meticulously reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification along with compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pine Cove, CA
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests, the former offers superior detection accuracy. Hair tests are unrivaled in their ability to detect a wide range of substances over a prolonged period, providing more dependable results than traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Pine Cove, CA
The extensive detection window of hair follicle testing, reaching up to 90 days, offers employers critical insights into an individual's substance history. This prolonged detection period provides a thorough understanding of substance use patterns, making it an invaluable tool for assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pine Cove, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the possibility of sample tampering, delivering trustworthy and definitive results. This resilience against adulteration ensures that the outcomes are reputable and unquestionable, bolstering the test's credibility.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pine Cove, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including those local to Pine Cove, provides unparalleled accessibility. Clients enjoy quick, easy, and stress-free access to our testing services, ensuring convenience at every step.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pine Cove, CA
The hair follicle drug testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every stage respects privacy concerns, ensuring a user-friendly and discreet experience for all participants in Pine Cove.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pine Cove, CA
We pride ourselves on competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, offering exemplary value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective services and reliable results, fostering reassurance and satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pine Cove, CA
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. These tests are designed to accurately detect substance use, providing results swiftly. This method's high accuracy ensures reliable detection, making it a preferable choice for those seeking efficient and consistent outcomes in Pine Cove.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pine Cove, CA
Employers can rest assured that hair follicle testing upholds compliance with drug-free workplace protocols. This testing method diminishes legal liabilities and augments workplace safety by delivering dependable and accurate drug screening.
