Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When harvested near the scalp, hair can provide a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in width) nearest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, a similar volume of body hair could be collected. When speaking of head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Outline
The primary steps in the lab processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab's system. This encompasses verifying that the specimen was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug consumption for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court acceptance. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (e.g. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug Screening is one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug diagnostics:
Drawbacks:
Note: While many refer to them as "hair follicle diagnostics", the test actually scrutinizes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Woodlands, CA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a broader window for detecting substance use, capturing a longer history of drug activity. Unlike urine tests, hair testing is not easily compromised, ensuring more genuine results.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Woodlands, CA, sets it apart from other methods. This test can identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering employers valuable insight into an individual's substance use history. Such comprehensive data is crucial when assessing an applicant or employee’s past behavior.
In Woodlands, CA, hair follicle tests are renowned for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. This feature ensures reliable and indisputable results, making them an ideal choice for organizations seeking trustworthy drug testing methods. The test's integrity provides reassurance in its findings.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including local options in Woodlands, CA, accessing services is simple and hassle-free. Our extensive network means quick and easy access to drug testing services, saving time and effort for individuals and businesses looking for reliable solutions.
The simple, confidential process of hair follicle testing in Woodlands, CA, addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the entire process is streamlined and user-friendly, ensuring comfortable and discreet experience for all participants.
In Woodlands, CA, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, making hair follicle testing an economical choice for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing and efficient service provide excellent value, allowing companies to enjoy peace of mind without breaking the budget.
Hair follicle drug tests in Woodlands, CA, deliver fast, accurate, and reliable results. Known for their speed and precision, these tests detect substance use with a high degree of accuracy. Employers and individuals alike benefit from the efficient process, which consistently provides dependable results, ensuring confidence in the findings.
Employers in Woodlands, CA, benefit from the peace of mind that comes with using hair follicle testing. This method ensures compliance with workplace drug policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. By choosing hair testing, businesses maintain a secure and drug-free environment, leading to increased productivity and reduced liability.
