Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the strand's fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a visibility period of nearly three months for alcohol and various drugs. It is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp generates 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for evaluation and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to obtain 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a proportional amount of body hair can be gathered. The term "head hair" specifies only scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other hair types (e.g. facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves processing a sample's entry into the laboratory’s procedure. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and transit, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an expedited evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient means to negate drug use in most instances, positive Screening results require confirmation to be courtroom admissible. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
Should a sample exhibit a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is derived from the original sample for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternate techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before Confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination actually assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Rancho Dominguez, CA
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering a longer detection period of up to 90 days. This enables a broader overview of a candidate's drug history, enhancing accuracy. Whereas urine tests cover a narrower window, hair analysis provides superior reliability, detecting long-term substance use effectively.
Extended Detection Window in West Rancho Dominguez, CA
Hair follicle testing offers an extensive detection period, tracing drug use for up to 90 days. This prolonged window allows employers a detailed look into an individual's substance habits. Comprehensive Insight
Such insight is crucial for making informed hiring decisions and managing workplace safety effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Rancho Dominguez, CA
Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize tampering risks. Security
The testing method significantly reduces cases of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and trustworthy, thereby maintaining integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Rancho Dominguez, CA
Our testing centers are strategically placed nationwide, including West Rancho Dominguez. Accessibility
This ensures quick and hassle-free access to testing services, simplifying the process for individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Rancho Dominguez, CA
Our procedure is streamlined and discreet, catering to privacy concerns. Ease & Privacy
Ordering, completing, and receiving test results is straightforward, assuring clients of a confidential handling of sensitive information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Rancho Dominguez, CA
We offer competitive pricing models combined with rapid service delivery. Value & Speed
Our solutions present excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind with cost-effective and timely results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Rancho Dominguez, CA
Hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise outcomes. Accuracy
These tests demonstrate remarkable precision in identifying drug usage, providing a valuable tool for maintaining safety and compliance.
Speed
Results are processed quickly, offering a fast turnaround to meet the demands of modern workplaces.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Rancho Dominguez, CA
Adopting hair follicle testing aids in upholding drug-free workplace policies. Legal Assurance
It brings peace of mind, reduces legal risks, and promotes a safe working environment, aligning with best practices for employer compliance.