Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair examination has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the strands of developing hair, hair can chronicle an extended timeline of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair sampling can reveal a detection period of close to 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair sampling is uncomplicated, less prone to manipulation, and easy to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands, comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil, near the root, provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both initial and corroborative testing. For EtG or additional panels beyond 10, it is advisable to use 150mg. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If head hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in laboratory drug test evaluation include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory phase where a sample is integrated into the lab's system. It involves confirming the sample's seal and transport integrity, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry outside an electronic custody chain system.
Screening provides an initial cursory check for drug presence. Although cost-efficient for most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation to uphold legal scrutiny, necessitating secondary validation for any samples indicated as positive during Screening.
For samples flagged as positive in Screening, additional hair is readied for Extraction, extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most technically challenging method.
Screening positives undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS, with presumptive samples washed prior to confirmation if needed. The laboratory processes from Accessioning to Confirmation are evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 certifications.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle itself.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels over traditional urine tests in Birds Landing, CA highlights the superior detection and reliability of hair tests. Unlike urine tests, which offer a limited window, hair follicle tests provide an in-depth view of substance use, ensuring comprehensive results and reduced risk of circumvention.
Extended Detection Window is a notable advantage of hair follicle testing in Birds Landing, CA. With a detection range of up to 90 days, these tests provide a holistic view of an individual's substance history, enabling employers to make well-informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Birds Landing, CA underscores the reliability of hair follicle tests. Their robust nature significantly diminishes the risk of sample adulteration, assuring that the results are trustworthy and irrefutable.
Convenient Testing Locations throughout Birds Landing, CA and nationwide offer hassle-free access to drug testing services. With numerous centers, clients can easily locate a facility nearby, simplifying the testing process significantly.
Simple and Confidential Process in Birds Landing, CA ensures stress-free drug testing experiences. From ordering to receiving results, the process is designed to be user-friendly and private, respecting clients' confidentiality and easing concerns about privacy.
Competitive Pricing and Fast Turnaround define hair follicle testing services in Birds Landing, CA. These tests offer excellent value with their affordable pricing and prompt result delivery, catering to businesses of all sizes with ease.
Precision and Reliability define the core of hair follicle drug tests in Birds Landing, CA. These tests provide fast and accurate results, crucial for detecting substance use diligently. Their advanced methodology ensures superior accuracy, making them a preferred choice for those requiring quick and dependable testing solutions.
Compliance and Assurance are key benefits of using hair follicle testing in Birds Landing, CA. For employers, these tests help ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, lowering legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety.
