Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as a formidable method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a chronicle of drug and alcohol use over a prolonged period by embedding biomarkers within the threads of the hair shaft. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximately 90-day window of detection for alcohol and substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising around 200 hairs (similar in dimension to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both analysis and confirmation. For testing EtG, specific add-ons, and/or panels exceeding ten, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we are specifying scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of analyzing a drug test result comprises four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step in receiving a sample into the laboratory system. This step ensures that the specimen was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening offers an initial rapid evaluation for drug abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug presence in the majority of specimens, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptability. Any presumptively positive samples during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Once a sample is presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is regarded as the most intricate method to conduct.
Positive Screening outcomes are validated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and is accredited with ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to frequently as "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Choose Hair Testing?
Reliable detection and accuracy make hair testing invaluable for local employers.
Extended Detection Timeline
Such extensive detection offers a substantial advantage over shorter-range tests.
Reliability Through Resistance
Employers trust this method for its integrity and reliability.
Convenience Across the Map
Accessibility and ease define our testing services.
Effortless and Private
The ease of our procedures makes drug testing stress-free and secure.
Value and Quick Returns
The blend of cost-effectiveness and speed defines our services.
Precision and Speed Combined
Employers benefit immensely from the reliable and quick outcomes.
Assurance for Employers
The method ensures peace of mind through its thorough approach.