Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a strong method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. By collecting hair near the scalp, it is possible to achieve up to a 3-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. The process of collection is easy, manipulation is challenging, and shipping is straightforward.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is perfect for initial testing and verification. For EtG, extensions, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. Use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If head hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a laboratory drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails incorporating a sample into the laboratory framework. This means confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial cursory review for substances of abuse. Screening offers an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, although a positive finding requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the primary specimen undergoes Extraction preparation. Here, the drug substances are extracted at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly intricate.
To verify positive screening outcomes, the process uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. This extensive laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the root below the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Testing Over Urine Testing
Expanded Drug Detection Window
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing
Convenient Testing Locations Nationwide
Simple and Confidential Testing Process
Cost-Effective Testing with Rapid Results
Speed and Precision in Drug Testing
Ensuring Compliance and Safety