Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a chronicled record of alcohol and substance markers by embedding them in the hair fiber as it grows. When collected near the scalp, the hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for a period of up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily altered, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair—ideal for testing. For EtG enhancements and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent mass of body hair can be taken. Head hair denotes only scalp hair, whereas body hair implies any other hair type (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
In laboratory processing of drug tests, the four primary steps are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates entering a sample into a lab's system initially. This consists of confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening efficiently eliminates drug use from most samples, a favorable result requires confirmation to stand in legal scenarios. All samples indicating potential positive results through Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If Screening yields a possibly positive outcome, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. At this phase, drug substances are separated from hair in considerably lower concentrations relative to methodologies like urine or oral fluid testing, rendering hair drug screening as a complex methodology to execute.
Verification of positive Screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Washes are performed on all suspected samples before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While habitually termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Diablo, CA: Compared to traditional urine tests, hair testing provides superior detection accuracy. Its reliability resonates with those seeking thorough substance use analysis, offering undeniable benefits over conventional urine testing.
Extended Detection Window in Diablo, CA: Hair follicle testing extends the detection window up to 90 days. This provides employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history, far exceeding the capabilities of other tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Diablo, CA: Designed to significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, hair follicle tests provide trustworthy and indisputable results, ensuring integrity in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Diablo, CA: Our extensive network of testing centers guarantees quick, simple, and seamless access to services, reinforcing convenience across the board.
Simple, Confidential Process in Diablo, CA: The process for ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Diablo, CA: Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times deliver outstanding value, providing reassurance for companies of all sizes, backed by reliable service.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Diablo, CA: The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unparalleled, offering dependable and swift results. This testing method accurately identifies substance use, ensuring that results are both timely and reliable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Diablo, CA: Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. It's a safeguard that supports compliance and offers peace of mind.
