Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The hair captures long-term consumption evidence by embedding biomarkers within the hair as it grows. When taken from the scalp area, hair provides a detection period of up to about three months for substances and alcohol. Gathering hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest the scalp offers 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both initial tests and confirmations. It's advised to determine the specimen's weight using a jeweler’s scale for EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, where 150mg is preferable. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable volume of body hair may be used. "Head hair" only pertains to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four crucial stages in processing a laboratory drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase where a specimen is incorporated into a laboratory’s system, involving confirmation that it was appropriately sealed and dispatched, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any supplementary data entry that is not part of an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening entails a preliminary assessment for illicit substances. Although Screening is an economical technique for excluding drug use in most specimens, any positive result requires confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Samples that are preliminarily positive during Screening mandate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the preliminary specimen for further Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening exceptionally challenging.
To affirm any positive screening outcome, tests like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often denoted as "hair follicle tests", the examination is of the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in White Water, CA - Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine exams with its enhanced detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers a wider detection window, ensuring more accurate results, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal authorities.
Extended Detection Window in White Water, CA - Hair follicle analysis extends its detection capability to a remarkable 90 days, providing a comprehensive history of substance use. This extended timeframe offers employers invaluable insights into an individual's drug use, shaping more informed employment decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in White Water, CA - One of the paramount advantages of hair follicle testing is its robustness against tampering. The methodology significantly curtails attempts at sample adulteration, thus yielding credible and unquestionable outcomes for entities relying on these tests.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in White Water, CA - With our nationwide network of testing centers, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and stress-free. Whether local or across the country, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessibility and convenience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in White Water, CA - Our simplified and confidential testing process ensures privacy from ordering to receiving results. This streamlined approach alleviates concerns over confidentiality and ease of administration, making the process seamless for individuals and organizations alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in White Water, CA - Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times highlight the value Accredited Drug Testing offers. We meet the needs of diverse organizations with cost-effective and expedient services, delivering peace of mind and economic efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in White Water, CA - Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and swiftness in delivering results. These tests offer unparalleled accuracy in identifying various substances, ensuring that those needing accurate and timely drug testing access dependable solutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in White Water, CA - Adopting hair follicle testing assures employers of adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. It offers the assurance required to maintain a secure and compliant work environment.