Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The lab processing of drug test results includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s database. It covers checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data not supplied by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective way to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptability. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening require more hair from the initial sample for Extraction preparation. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at a considerably lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), illustrating the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as “hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kelseyville, CA
In Kelseyville, CA, hair tests offer several advantages over urine tests.
Employers gain from the comprehensive insight provided by hair testing, ensuring policies against drug abuse are effectively enforced.
Extended Detection Window in Kelseyville, CA
Hair follicle testing offers an extended period for drug detection, presenting employers with a complete history of substance use.
Such extended detection is invaluable, empowering employers with in-depth screening for potential hires.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kelseyville, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample adulteration, delivering steadfast and unquestioned results.
Employers benefit from this reliability, safeguarding the accuracy of their drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kelseyville, CA
Our widespread network of testing centers, including those in Kelseyville, CA, ensures rapid and accessible testing services.
Clients appreciate the comfort and convenience of having reliable testing centers readily available.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kelseyville, CA
Our testing procedures in Kelseyville, CA, are straightforward and private.
Employers are reassured by the privacy and simplicity of the process, catering to diverse needs without complication.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kelseyville, CA
In Kelseyville, CA, we offer competitive pricing and rapid results, combining cost-effectiveness with efficiency.
By maintaining affordability, we ensure broader access to reliable drug testing services without delay.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kelseyville, CA
In Kelseyville, CA, hair follicle drug tests not only guarantee fast results but also outstanding accuracy in detection.
Hair testing facilitates a more reliable analysis, enabling quick and efficient handling of results without compromising on exactitude.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kelseyville, CA
Employers in Kelseyville, CA, can rely on hair follicle testing to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
The reliability of hair testing supports stringent enforcement of zero-tolerance policies effectively.
