Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands of hair encapsulate biomarkers within their fibers during growth, offering an extended history of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a timeline of approximately three months regarding exposure to alcohol and drugs. Its collection is straightforward, manipulation is relatively challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A segment of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 strands, comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness, can furnish around 100mg of hair, which serves as an optimal quantity for initial screenings and subsequent confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, and arrays beyond 10 panels, collecting 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses facial and axillary hair types, among others.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for drug testing comprises four fundamental steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample initially enters a laboratory system. This step involves ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input not already provided by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective in negating drug consumption in most cases, any positive result in Screening requires validation to be legally admissible. Samples indicating presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
In instances of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated at concentrations lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral samples), accounting for the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to confirmation, when necessary. The laboratory's comprehensive process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite 'hair follicle tests' terminology, analysis pertains to the strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Redwood Terrace, CA
When comparing hair tests to urine tests, hair testing offers superior detection and reliability. Its accuracy comes from an extended detection window.
Extended Detection Window in Redwood Terrace, CA
Hair follicle testing is effective in identifying drug use up to 90 days back, providing employers with insight on an applicant's or employee's substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Redwood Terrace, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the chance of sample tampering, providing unquestionable reliability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Redwood Terrace, CA
Our nationwide centers ensure easy access to drug testing services, providing convenience for those in need.
Simple, Confidential Process in Redwood Terrace, CA
Our testing process is simple and confidential. We prioritize ease and privacy from the moment of test ordering to result reception.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Redwood Terrace, CA
We offer competitive pricing with a quick turnaround, ensuring value and peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Redwood Terrace, CA
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and speed. It offers high accuracy in detecting substances, making it a preferred choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Redwood Terrace, CA
Employing hair follicle testing helps companies adhere to drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety in the workplace.
