Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Regarded as a potent method, hair testing is instrumental in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a long-term profile of these substances by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When samples are taken close to the scalp, they can offer a detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs extending to roughly three months. Hair sampling is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for delivery.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg—the optimal quantity for both initial and confirmatory testing. For screenings like EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and underarm hair).
Process Overview
The core components in processing a drug test result at a lab are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In the Accessioning phase, a sample is first processed into the laboratory's system. This process includes confirming the seal and correct shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any necessary data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
During Screening, a preliminary scan is conducted to identify the presence of abusive drugs. Though Screening serves as an economical method to disprove drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any sample yielding a presumptive positive during Screening necessitates further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive outcome, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drug compounds are extracted from hair at much lower levels than other methods (such as urine or saliva), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples identified as presumptively positive undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is performed under both the CAP Hair designation and meets the requirements of the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair vs. Urine: A Winning Formula
Employers gain a reliable partner in hair testing, minimizing the chances of erroneous or misleading results.
Extending the Detection Horizons
This thorough analysis aids in making informed decisions concerning current or potential employees.
Incapable of Tampering
By reducing tampering risks, these tests guarantee authenticity, offering employers authentic assurance.
Everywhere You Need Us
This network ensures that our effective testing methods are always within easy reach.
Simplified and Private
Clients enjoy a seamless testing journey, free from concerns of privacy breaches.
Value and Swiftness Combined
Quick result turnaround offers superior value, making it a prime choice for employers.
Resonating Speed and Precision
The quick turnaround ensures that results are timely, catering to the meticulous demands of employers and regulatory bodies.
Compliance with Confidence
Such testing instills a culture of compliance and safety, valued by conscientious companies.
