Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its strands as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can present a roughly 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. It's straightforward to collect, fairly resistant to tampering, and easy to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment with approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, expanded panels, or tests exceeding 10 drugs, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a matching quantity of body hair may be gathered. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types, like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial steps of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This process comprises verifying the sample’s sealing and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any manual data input that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't covered.
Screening executes an initial cursory assessment for substances of abuse. Though a cost-efficient measure to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial portion and readied for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are drawn from hair at much lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples receive washes before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Madeline, CA, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing through its superior detection precision and consistency. Unlike urine tests, hair testing offers:
Longer detection periods
Hair follicle testing in Madeline, CA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This makes it a preferred choice for employers who require a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, ensuring a more comprehensive review over time.
Hair follicle testing in Madeline, CA, significantly decreases the risk of sample tampering. This method ensures that results remain dependable and unquestionable, providing:b< exceptional reliability in drug testing.
With convenient testing centers nationwide, including locations in Madeline, CA, Accredited Drug Testing makes accessing services quick and straightforward. This network ensures easy and hassle-free testing experiences.
Madeline, CA, offers a simple, confidential drug testing process with Accredited Drug Testing. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are streamlined to maintain privacy and ease.
Accredited Drug Testing in Madeline, CA, boasts affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, offering excellent value. This makes it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind through competitive pricing.
The precision and speed of hair follicle testing in Madeline, CA, make it a top choice for quick and reliable results. These tests provide high accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring that results are both fast and reliable.
Employers in Madeline, CA, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances safety significantly.
