Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection window for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the ideal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When referencing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in the analytical processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial registration of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes confirming that the specimen was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not provided by an electronic custody system.
Screening conducts a rapid examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an efficient method to dismiss drug use in most specimens, a positive outcome needs to be validated to be acceptable in legal contexts. Any samples that render a presumptive positive in Screening require another level of confirmation.
If a specimen has a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), this complexity makes hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to perform.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in San Pablo, CA
Hair testing showcases superior detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine assessments, offering clearer insights into substance use.
The detection window of hair tests is significantly longer, capturing a broader history of drug use that urine tests can't match.
Extended Detection Window in San Pablo, CA
Hair follicle testing offers an impressive detection window, identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days.
This extensive period provides employers with a detailed understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in San Pablo, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the potential for sample adulteration, delivering reliable and uncontested results.
The collection process is highly secure, further enhancing the test's credibility and accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in San Pablo, CA
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures quick, hassle-free access to drug testing services.
With locations easily accessible, scheduling and undertaking tests becomes a seamless experience for our clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in San Pablo, CA
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is straightforward and confidential.
This ensures customer privacy is respected, while maintaining ease and comfort throughout the drug testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in San Pablo, CA
We offer competitive pricing structures, making hair follicle testing an economically feasible option for businesses of all sizes.
Our quick turnaround times ensure that employers receive results promptly, aiding efficient decision-making.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in San Pablo, CA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision in identifying substance use. With their high accuracy rates, these tests provide confidence and dependability in drug testing environments.
Thanks to advanced technology, results from hair follicle tests are quickly generated, allowing for fast decision-making in crucial settings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in San Pablo, CA
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.
A drug-free workplace boosts safety, offers peace of mind, and supports a healthier working environment.
