Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in its growing fibers. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) from the closest area to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be acquired. References to head hair apply exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for deriving a drug test outcome involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary handling of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not completed through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial swift assessment for drugs of misuse. Although Screening is an economical way to negate the presence of drugs in most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for regulatory acceptability. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need an additional confirmation.
For samples marked presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other processes (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging procedure to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marysville Rural, CA
Hair testing offers clear advantages over urine tests. It’s known for its superior identification accuracy and dependability, vastly broadening the detection window to monitor prolonged drug use, unlike the more traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Marysville Rural, CA
The strong point of hair follicle testing lies in its expansive detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This comprehensive observation period allows employers to extensively understand an individual's substance use history during recruiting or ongoing employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marysville Rural, CA
Hair follicle tests are largely resistant to tampering, offering a credible, tamper-proof method for detecting drug use. The reliability of results is ensured, mitigating concerns about adulteration that frequently affect other testing modalities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marysville Rural, CA
Accessible hair testing locations nationwide, including Marysville Rural, CA, guarantee convenience. Our network ensures streamlined, stress-free access to testing services throughout the country, making it easy to locate a center near you.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marysville Rural, CA
The process is crafted to be straightforward and private. From ordering to obtaining results, each step values privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns about confidentiality and providing a reassuring, user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marysville Rural, CA
The competitive pricing model and quick result delivery make hair follicle testing an attractive choice. With reasonable costs and rapid outcomes, businesses of all sizes benefit from excellent value and assurance without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marysville Rural, CA
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift, precise results, ideal for discerning substance use with high accuracy. The advanced technology utilized ensures minimal waiting time while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marysville Rural, CA
Adoption of hair follicle testing ensures that companies comply with strict drug-free workplace regulations. This minimizes legal risks, significantly enhancing workplace safety and yielding peace of mind for employers regarding employee substance use.
