Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the elongating hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can present a detection span of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is uncomplicated to gather, moderately resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be obtained. In the context of head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair covers all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Summary
The four essential stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This includes confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-effective method to rule out substance use on most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Samples that indicate a positive result during Screening necessitate a further confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, substances are separated from hair at remarkably lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair substance screening the most complex method to execute.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples undergo washing prior to validation as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Validation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the endorsement to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair substance testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Often mistakenly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Roads End, CA
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine testing. While urine tests are limited in their detection window, hair testing extends results over a period of 90 days, offering a comprehensive view of substance use. This method provides both accuracy and reliability, making it a preferred choice for many.
Extended Detection Window in Roads End, CA
One of the biggest advantages of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This gives employers an in-depth understanding of a person's drug history, allowing for well-informed hiring decisions and thorough employee assessments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Roads End, CA
The inherent design of hair follicle tests significantly curbs the risk of tampering or adulteration of samples. Given their nature, these tests bring forth results that are both credible and beyond question, making them a reliable choice in various settings that demand high integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Roads End, CA
Our widespread network of testing locations ensures that access is convenient and stress-free. Whether in Roads End or across the nation, our centers provide easy and quick testing services, allowing individuals and companies hassle-free access to needed services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Roads End, CA
The process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects privacy from ordering to obtaining results. This simplicity, combined with confidentiality, means individuals can undertake the process with ease, assured that their information remains secure and private.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Roads End, CA
Offering competitive pricing structures, our hair follicle testing services ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining swift turnaround times. This balance provides an optimal mix of value and speed for businesses of any size, ensuring budget-friendly solutions alongside prompt results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Roads End, CA
For those seeking the utmost in precision and speed, hair follicle drug testing stands out. The method boasts unparalleled accuracy, swiftly detecting substance use across a broad spectrum. Its streamlined process ensures that results are not only accurate but delivered quickly, maintaining precision without sacrificing speed.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Roads End, CA
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing potential legal complications. This testing method not only helps in maintaining a safe work environment but also offers employers peace of mind, knowing they're fostering a compliant and secure workplace.
