Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now acknowledged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drug consumption by containing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month detection scope for alcohol and drugs. Gathering hair is straightforward, moderately hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, containing about 200 strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is suggested to weigh the specimen. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial intake of a sample into a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data not already captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage for most specimens, any positive screen must be validated to stand up in legal settings. Specimens that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a specimen tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. The overall laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in La Mesa, CA
Hair follicle testing stands out in comparison to traditional urine tests by providing a more extensive detection period. It delivers superior accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for industries and legal entities aiming to maintain rigorous standards in detecting substance use over time.
Extended Detection Window in La Mesa, CA
Hair follicle testing offers the advantage of detecting drug use over a lengthy time frame, up to 90 days. This method is invaluable for employers who wish to have a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, aiding in informed decision-making for job placements and security clearances.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in La Mesa, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering, ensuring that the results are reliable and beyond reproach. This method offers peace of mind by maintaining the integrity of the testing process and delivering unquestionable outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in La Mesa, CA
With our vast network of testing centers nationwide, accessing testing services is both swift and convenient. Clients in La Mesa, CA, can effortlessly locate nearby facilities, ensuring a stress-free experience when scheduling and undergoing necessary tests.
Simple, Confidential Process in La Mesa, CA
The process of ordering, participating in, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is designed to be simple and confidential. This allows individuals to take tests without concerns about confidentiality breaches, ensuring a seamless experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in La Mesa, CA
We offer competitive pricing and swift turnaround times for hair follicle drug testing, providing excellent value for organizations of various sizes. This ensures businesses can access reliable testing solutions without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in La Mesa, CA
Employing hair follicle drug tests offers unmatched accuracy and speed. The precision in detecting substance use is significantly higher compared to other testing methods. This ensures that individuals or organizations receive definitive results quickly, facilitating timely interventions or decisions tailored to their needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in La Mesa, CA
Utilization of hair follicle testing helps employers adhere to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety. This testing method provides companies with the assurance that they are implementing the highest standards of compliance.
