Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair evaluation is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can present about a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be acquired. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes any other types of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages involved in lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system, confirming the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be admissible in court. Any samples that are likely positive in Screening require another confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most complex methodologies to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes a 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: Frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests in Laguna Beach, CA, hair tests emerge superior due to their extended detection period and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers a detailed overview over months, ensuring a clearer understanding of an individual's substance history. Employers benefit from this method as it promotes a safe working environment through accurate substance history evaluations.
Employers in Laguna Beach, CA, gain insight into long-term substance history with hair follicle testing. While urine tests cover a shorter span, hair tests reveal drug use up to 90 days back, providing a holistic view of an individual's habits. This extensive detection window helps employers make more informed decisions about their workforce, ensuring workplace readiness and compliance.
Hair follicle tests in Laguna Beach, CA, present a barrier against sample tampering, offering dependable outcomes. They significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration compared to other testing methods. Employers benefit from this reliability, as hair tests deliver unquestionable results, fortifying drug-free workplace policies against falsification.
Our widespread testing locations, including those in Laguna Beach, CA, offer convenience and accessibility. Nationally available, our centers ensure seamless and stress-free testing experiences for all clients. Whether local or further afield, accessing quality testing services is effortless, ensuring you can easily address your drug testing needs with convenience.
Ease and confidentiality define our hair testing process in Laguna Beach, CA. From ordering to taking the test and receiving your results, every step prioritizes user privacy and straightforwardness. Clients can trust the process to be discreet, addressing privacy concerns and maintaining ease of use to suit various requirements.
In Laguna Beach, CA, we offer competitive pricing paired with quick results for hair drug testing. Our services provide companies with substantial value by ensuring affordability without sacrificing quality. Fast turnaround times mean you can count on timely information that supports business operations without burdening budgets.
In Laguna Beach, CA, precision and swiftness define hair follicle drug tests. These tests stand out for their impressive accuracy in detecting substance use, ensuring reliable results. Their fast and precise analysis caters to the needs of employers seeking trustworthy information on drug or alcohol abuse. With hair testing, you benefit from comprehensive drug detection, giving confidence in test outcomes.
For employers in Laguna Beach, CA, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It reduces liability concerns and boosts safety by providing reliable insights into employees' substance use. Opting for hair testing enhances employers' peace of mind by aligning with compliance protocols and supporting a healthy work environment.
