Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the dimensions of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for both screening and validation. For EtG testing, additional checks, and examinations exceeding ten panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. It's suggested that the sample be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, we mean specifically scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample upon entering a laboratory's system. This step confirms that the sample has been sealed and sent correctly, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening is a primary rapid assessment for the presence of substances. While Screening offers a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive finding must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are extracted from hair at much reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positive specimens are cleaned pre-confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning through to Confirmation, the entire lab process is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly dubbed "hair follicle tests," the actual examination assesses the hair strand and not the sub-scalp follicle.
In Red Bluff, CA, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests are known for their durability and robustness, offering evidence that can withstand scrutiny.
One of the critical benefits of hair follicle testing in Red Bluff, CA, is its extended detection window. Hair tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days or more, providing employers with a comprehensive picture of an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle tests in Red Bluff, CA, provide a tamper-resistant testing method significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration.
Accessing drug testing services is hassle-free thanks to our convenient nationwide locations and local availability in Red Bluff, CA.
In Red Bluff, CA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. The procedure ensures the privacy of individuals while ensuring ease of use from ordering to receiving results.
Our services in Red Bluff, CA, offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. The cost-effective pricing structures deliver excellent value for companies regardless of size.
Hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate, and reliable results in Red Bluff, CA, effectively detecting substance use with high precision. The method is designed to quickly identify any drug traces in the system, ensuring trustworthy results.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Red Bluff, CA, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering compliance and peace of mind for employers. This method helps mitigate legal risks while also promoting a safer working environment.
