Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by sequestering biomarkers in the growing hair strand's fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands, akin to a #2 pencil's thickness near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory-based processing of a drug test involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. It involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other approaches (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle
Comparing hair follicle tests to urine testing in Rio Linda, CA reveals significant advantages. Hair testing provides a broader detection range, making it more accurate and trustworthy for uncovering substance use histories, providing a superior option over traditional urine tests.
Hair follicle testing is renowned in Rio Linda, CA for an extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This longer period allows employers detailed insights into an individual's substance history, aiding robust decision-making processes.
Hair follicle testing in Rio Linda, CA offers a tamper-resistant method for substance screening. By reducing opportunities for sample manipulation, these tests deliver results that are trustworthy and difficult to dispute.
The convenience of our network of nationwide testing facilities, including locations in Rio Linda, CA, provides easy and hassle-free access to reliable testing services, accommodating individuals and businesses efficiently.
The hair follicle testing process in Rio Linda, CA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process safeguards privacy and streamlines ease of use, assuring users of the utmost discretion.
In Rio Linda, CA, hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. These advantages provide excellent value to businesses, ensuring budget-friendly and timely solutions for drug screening needs.
In Rio Linda, CA, hair follicle testing ensures swift and precise substance detection. The accuracy of these tests in identifying drug use is impressive, offering results that are both fast and reliable, enhancing their value for employers and professionals alike.
Employers in Rio Linda, CA find peace of mind through hair follicle testing. It ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and reinforcing workplace safety, creating a compliant and secure environment.
