Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair offers an extended record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers in the hair's strands as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, it can reveal a timeline of up to roughly 90 days for drug and alcohol traces. Hair samples are easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to mail.
An ideal sample involves taking a 1.5-inch cut consisting of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair, suitable for both screening and confirmation. For tests including EtG add-ons or more than 10 panels, it's advisable to use 150mg of the hair sample. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" strictly means scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types of hair (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure of evaluating a drug test outcome mainly involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is first processed into a lab's system, ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and completing any supplementary data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for abuse drugs. While a cost-efficient way to negate drug consumption for most samples, any positive screen must be validated for court credibility. Presumptive positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases where a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair, albeit at lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), presenting a unique challenge in hair drug testing.
Confirmation of a positive screen is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation, if required. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is thoroughly reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Orick, CA
Hair follicle testing offers several benefits over traditional urine tests. Enhanced Detection Accuracy: Hair can retain drug traces much longer, up to 90 days, providing a more comprehensive view. Greater Reliability: The observed collection process eliminates tampering risks, ensuring valid results.
Extended Detection Window in Orick, CA
Hair follicle testing can detect drug use over a prolonged period—up to 90 days. This provides employers with an in-depth look at an individual’s substance history, essential for informed hiring decisions. The extended window surpasses urine testing, adding an extra layer of assurance.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Orick, CA
With hair follicle tests, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized. The method's robustness lies in its collection and analysis processes, making results tamper-resistant and reliable, ensuring that integrity and authenticity are upheld at each step.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Orick, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers ensures convenient access to hair follicle testing services. Whether you're in Orick or elsewhere, our locations simplify the process, ensuring it remains quick, easy, and without stress for all individuals.
Simple, Confidential Process in Orick, CA
The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and secure. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, confidentiality and ease of use are prioritized. This ensures users feel protected and comfortable throughout the entire testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Orick, CA
We offer competitive pricing along with swift result turnaround, delivering great value for businesses of all sizes. This efficiency in both cost and time underscores our commitment to providing quality services that bring peace of mind to your team.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Orick, CA
Hair follicle testing stands out for its precision and speed in detecting substance use. It boasts high accuracy levels, making it a reliable choice for individuals and employers alike. The effectiveness in capturing long-term usage is a critical factor that sets this testing method apart from others.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Orick, CA
Adopting hair follicle testing aids employers in keeping a drug-free environment, crucial for compliance with workplace policies. This proactive approach helps mitigate legal risks while enhancing safety and productivity, granting peace of mind for management and staff.