Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture biomarkers in the strands, offering a long-term record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over a period of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, containing about 200 strands, roughly the width of a #2 pencil, equates to 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels over 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale is a good practice for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. For head hair, the reference is specifically to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating a sample into a lab’s system, which includes ensuring that it was sealed and shipped correctly, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most cases, positive results require confirmation to ensure admissibility in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. Every step, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in La Quinta, CA - Hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Its superior detection accuracy and extended window of detection make it the preferred choice for thorough assessments. Unlike urine tests, hair tests minimize errors and enhance the reliability of results.
Extended Detection Window in La Quinta, CA - One significant advantage of hair follicle testing is the extended detection period which can trace substance use up to 90 days. This offers a broad and comprehensive overview of an individual's drug history, making it a valuable tool for employers to assess long-term substance use in their workforce.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in La Quinta, CA - Hair follicle testing is highly resistant to tampering, making it a reliable choice for drug testing. Its collection and analysis methods reduce the risk of adulteration, ensuring unquestionable results and providing employers peace of mind regarding test integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in La Quinta, CA - With numerous facilities spread Nationwide, including in La Quinta, CA, Accredited Drug Testing offers accessible and convenient testing options. This widespread network ensures clients can readily access services without hassle, fulfilling testing requirements swiftly and efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in La Quinta, CA - The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from a hair follicle test is simple and respects your privacy. Clients can feel assured knowing that the procedure is confidential, easy to navigate, and designed with the utmost concern for user comfort and anonymity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in La Quinta, CA - Our competitive pricing makes hair follicle testing an affordable choice for businesses without compromising on quality. Coupled with our commitment to providing fast turnaround times, clients receive exceptional value, ensuring reliable and prompt results tailored to their needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in La Quinta, CA - Hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and speed, offering reliable results that identify substance use patterns. The capability of these tests to reveal even minor traces ensures high accuracy, providing peace of mind to employers who need to ensure a clean and safe workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in La Quinta, CA - By choosing hair follicle testing, employers can assure compliance with stringent workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces potential legal troubles while enhancing overall workplace safety, offering businesses an added layer of security and confidence.
