Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and narcotic use by enclosing biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers approximately a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp equates to 100mg, the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is suggested. It is advised to measure the hair using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When head hair is referenced, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure of a drug test result consists of four central phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's database. This step involves confirming that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional information not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick test for illicit drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive screening result necessitates confirmation for it to be considered valid in legal settings. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening require further validation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other processes (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging processes to conduct.
Verification of any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminarily positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Saratoga, CA
Hair testing stands out with its superior detection accuracy over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a larger detection window, thus identifying consistent substance use. This method's reliability makes it an ideal choice for organizations enforcing strict compliance with drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Saratoga, CA
Hair follicle testing surpasses other methods by covering up to a 90-day period for substance use detection. This extended window provides a holistic view of an individual's drug history, aiding employers in making informed decisions about employment and candidate suitability.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Saratoga, CA
Introducing hair follicle testing minimizes the possibility of sample tampering. Unlike other drug tests, it is nearly impossible to alter or contaminate hair samples, thus providing results that are both reliable and indisputable. This makes it a preferred choice for secure testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Saratoga, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Saratoga, CA, ensures that accessing testing services is convenient and hassle-free. This widespread availability offers ease of scheduling and requires minimal travel, enhancing the overall testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Saratoga, CA
The process for ordering, undergoing, and receiving results of a hair follicle drug test is streamlined to ensure privacy and ease. From start to finish, the method maintains confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns individuals may have while delivering results efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Saratoga, CA
Our competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing offer excellent value. Coupled with rapid processing of results, it provides peace of mind for companies looking for effective, budget-friendly testing solutions, catering to organizations of any size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Saratoga, CA
Hair follicle drug tests offer prompt and precise identification of substance use. Their high level of accuracy comes from analyzing the samples in specialized labs. The quick turnaround of results ensures timely decision-making for employers and individuals, maintaining high standards of reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Saratoga, CA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers comply with strict drug-free workplace mandates. This testing method mitigates legal risks, fosters a safer work environment, and gives employers the assurance of maintaining a drug-free policy effectively.
