Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair records a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs, capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers. Hair, when sampled near the scalp, can reveal a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a recommended 150mg of the specimen is necessary. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the lab system. This entails checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entries absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening efficiently rules out drug use for most samples, a positive result in Screening must be confirmed for legal validity. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening must undergo subsequent confirmation.
In cases of a presumptively positive result at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
The confirmation of any positive Screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples are washed as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and does not involve the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Hair Testing Versus Urine Testing in Pomona, CA
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, hair analysis provides superior detection capabilities, particularly for long-term substance use. Hair testing offers enhanced accuracy and reliability, giving employers and professionals in Pomona a more dependable method to ascertain historical substance usage effectively.
Extended Detection Capacity in Pomona, CA
Hair follicle testing is unparalleled in its ability to identify drug use over a prolonged period, extending up to 90 days. This extensive detection window allows employers in Pomona, CA to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history, beyond the capability of standard urine tests, which are limited in their detection timeframe.
Ensuring Reliable Results in Pomona, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering, providing a secure method for substance detection. The integrity of the results is upheld, making it nearly impossible to alter the samples, offering stakeholders in Pomona peace of mind with assured test accuracy.
Nationwide and Local Access in Pomona, CA
Simplified and Confidential in Pomona, CA
The hair follicle test process is streamlined and maintains confidentiality, from the order to the reception of results. This ensures privacy for individuals while simplifying the testing procedure, addressing any concerns over data privacy and user-friendliness.
Competitive Pricing and Efficiency in Pomona, CA
With budgets in mind, our testing services present substantial value with competitive pricing structures. Additionally, our quick turnaround times underscore our commitment to efficiency and client satisfaction, making drug testing both affordable and dependable for businesses in Pomona.
Speed and Precision in Pomona, CA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swift turnaround, offering robust results in detecting substance use. These tests are highly accurate, ensuring reliable detection of drug and alcohol consumption, making them invaluable for businesses and organizations that prioritize accuracy and timeliness in their testing protocols.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Pomona, CA
Employing hair follicle testing greatly aids businesses in Pomona by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method supports legal compliance, mitigates potential legal risks, and enhances workplace safety, providing employers with the assurance of a compliant and secure working environment.
