Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection span for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to send off.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (about the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the standard sample size for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. The term "head hair" is solely used for scalp hair, while "body hair" comprises other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing drug test results in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's preliminary entry into the lab's infrastructure. It verifies that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry that is not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient strategy to exclude drug usage for most samples, results showing a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptance. Any samples presumed positive during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample indicates potential positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen to prepare for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging processes to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the scalp-situated hair follicle.
In comparison to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Irwin, CA, offers superior benefits. Hair tests strike a balance between accuracy and detection longevity. Learn more how!
Choosing hair testing ensures a more thorough evaluation of substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Irwin, CA, allows for substance detection over an extended period. Unlike other methods, it provides a broader overview of an individual’s drug usage history.
For employers, this means:
This extensive detection timeframe aids in making informed employment decisions.
The hair follicle testing method in Irwin, CA, is notably tamper-resistant. Its design inherently limits the chances of sample manipulation, thereby providing results you can trust.
Such testing methods offer the assurance that the results reflect the true substance use profile.
Access to lab testing is easy with nationwide centers, including locations in Irwin, CA. Accredited Drug Testing ensures a straightforward service experience, sparing you effort and time.
Our interconnected network guarantees prompt, easy access to testing services.
The process of hair follicle testing in Irwin, CA, is both straightforward and discreet, ensuring client confidentiality from start to end.
This streamlined approach addresses any privacy concerns and makes testing stress-free.
For businesses in Irwin, CA, hair follicle testing is budget-friendly while offering rapid response times. It presents excellent value without compromising on quality or speed.
Get high-quality results with a balance of price efficiency and swift feedback.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Irwin, CA, provide unmatched reliability. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in detecting past substance use, ensuring results that stakeholders can trust entirely.
Overall, hair tests deliver not only quick but also consistently dependable results.
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing in Irwin, CA, can maintain compliance and secure peace of mind. This testing approach aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks.
Hair testing supports a safe, compliant, and healthy work environment.