Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the strands of maturing hair, it offers a prolonged historical account of alcohol and other substance use. When sourced near the scalp, hair can present a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for drugs and alcohol. Obtaining hair is straightforward, moderately hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample containing approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional components, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure of processing a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within a laboratory's system. This entails confirming the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples with a positive screening outcome necessitate secondary verification.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test positive are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Santa Venetia, CA
Employers and legal entities prefer hair testing for its robust detection capabilities, making it a superior choice over traditional urine-based tests.
Extended Detection Window in Santa Venetia, CA
For employers, such tests offer a detailed understanding of an individual's substance usage, enabling more informed decisions about current or potential employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Santa Venetia, CA
In scenarios where authenticity is paramount, these tests deliver indisputable evidence of past substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Santa Venetia, CA
Whether it’s a local facility or a national center, obtaining testing services is straightforward and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Santa Venetia, CA
Concerns about confidentiality are alleviated with our smooth, discrete procedures, ensuring peace of mind for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Santa Venetia, CA
Organizations of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective solutions and swift process, offering fiscal savings and operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Santa Venetia, CA
These tests afford employers and courts the confidence in fast, reliable results, ensuring informed decision-making in crucial matters, from hiring to legal compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Santa Venetia, CA
Employers benefit from the peace of mind that comes with using hair follicle tests, as they support a drug-free work environment effectively.
