Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. By collecting hair near the scalp, it provides about a 3-month detection window for substances like alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) and taken closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and verifying results. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable measure of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we specifically refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (including facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a specimen into a laboratory's system. This step includes checking that the sample was sealed and sent appropriately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid evaluation for illicit drugs. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a specimen show a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is removed from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive specimens undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair directive and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in South Antelope Valley, CA outperforms urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analyzes a broader period of substance use, providing a reliable assessment. This method ensures precise results, greatly benefiting employers and legal entities enforcing stringent drug-free policies.
Employers in South Antelope Valley, CA benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which reaches back up to 90 days. This broader insight into substance use offers a detailed review of an individual’s history, ensuring informed decisions based on a comprehensive drug-use analysis.
In South Antelope Valley, CA, the integrity of hair follicle testing significantly reduces the likelihood of tampered results. Unlike other methods, this approach ensures a secure sample collection that's challenging to adulterate, granting unmatched confidence in the accuracy of the findings.
In South Antelope Valley, CA, the accessibility of nationwide testing locations enhances convenience for hair follicle testing services. These centers are strategically situated to ensure rapid and straightforward testing, offering a hassle-free experience tailored to individual needs.
Our streamlined process for hair follicle testing in South Antelope Valley, CA emphasizes confidentiality and simplicity. Clients experience ease from scheduling to result collection, with privacy maintained throughout this straightforward procedure, addressing all concerns about discretion and efficiency.
South Antelope Valley, CA businesses benefit from affordable pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing services. Competitive rates and swift delivery of results assure excellent value, supporting companies of all sizes in maintaining effective drug-free workplace policies economically.
Within South Antelope Valley, CA, hair follicle testing stands out for its blend of speed and accuracy. The advanced method delivers precise results, swiftly identifying substance use. By extending beyond the limitations of traditional tests, it offers a robust assessment, giving stakeholders timely and trustworthy outcomes.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in South Antelope Valley, CA provides employers peace of mind by promoting compliance with workplace drug policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks and strengthens safety protocols, creating a safer and more secure working environment for everyone involved.
