Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective instrument for detecting alcohol and drug use. It captures biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, offering a long-term overview of usage. If collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to about 3 months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, it is recommended to use 150mg of hair. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair refers to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the laboratory system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to rule out usage in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation to be admissible in court. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positives from the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for the Extraction process. In this phase, drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations than those found in other methodologies, such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcomes is conducted via methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed if needed. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab process is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards for ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Ruth, CA, the preference for hair follicle testing over urine testing underscores its enhanced detection and reliability. Hair tests provide a broader detection window and superior accuracy, proving to be highly reliable.
Hair drug tests surpass traditional urine tests by offering extensive coverage over drug use history, enhancing the detection capabilities for organizations.
Hair follicle testing in Ruth, CA, extends the detection window for drug use up to 90 days, offering employers insights into an individual's substance history.
This lengthy detection period enables a thorough evaluation of a person's drug use history, supporting informed decision-making for companies.
In Ruth, CA, hair follicle testing serves as a tamper-resistant method, significantly minimizing the chances of sample adulteration.
The robust nature of hair tests ensures reliable and unquestionable results, maintaining the credibility of substance use assessments.
The convenience of nationwide and local testing centers in Ruth, CA, ensures hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services.
Quick and easy accessibility to these testing services simplifies the process for individuals and organizations alike.
In Ruth, CA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, from ordering to receiving results.
Ensuring privacy and ease of use, the process addresses any privacy concerns, making it user-friendly for all involved.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Ruth, CA, solidify the value proposition of hair follicle testing for companies.
Affordable pricing structures, coupled with quick results, allow organizations to maintain peace of mind without straining their budgets.
In Ruth, CA, hair follicle drug testing stands out due to its remarkable precision and swiftness in delivering results. This testing method excels at accurately detecting substance use, providing fast and dependable outcomes.
The reliability of hair follicle tests in pinpointing drug use with high accuracy is unmatched, assuring individuals and organizations of their effectiveness.
Employers in Ruth, CA, gain peace of mind through hair follicle testing, as it ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
This method reduces legal risks and enhances overall workplace safety, fostering an environment of trust and accountability.
