Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substance use by locking biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Samples taken near the scalp can offer an approximate 3-month detection span for identifying drugs and alcohol. It’s easy to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in width), provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advised to gather 150mg. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When talking about head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair covers other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for a drug test result encompasses four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage, where a sample is registered into the laboratory's system. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick preliminary test for common drugs of abuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result in the Screening phase must be verified for court acceptance. Any samples that test positive in Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If a sample is marked positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the main specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drugs in hair are extracted at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily marked as positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In South El Monte, CA, hair follicle testing stands superior over traditional urine tests. Comparing the two, hair analysis offers enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests are standard, hair tests extend the detection window, making them ideal for thorough drug use analysis.
Hair follicle testing in South El Monte, CA, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers a comprehensive view of substance use history. This extended timeframe is invaluable for employers seeking detailed information on employees' or applicants' drug habits.
In South El Monte, CA, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant method for drug testing. Unlike other methods, this test significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring that results remain trustworthy and integrity is maintained throughout the process.
With convenient nationwide testing centers and local sites in South El Monte, CA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures an accessible and efficient testing process. Experience hassle-free access to our comprehensive testing services, providing both convenience and reliability.
Accredited Drug Testing in South El Monte, CA, offers a straightforward and confidential process for testing. Easily order, engage in, and receive results with the assurance of privacy, simplifying the process while safeguarding sensitive information.
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in South El Monte, CA, deliver excellent value. Companies of all sizes benefit from our affordable options and quick results, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality.
Experience fast, precise, and dependable outcomes with hair follicle testing in South El Monte, CA. This method boasts high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing results that you can trust. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis ensures precise detection, offering confidence in every result.
Employing hair follicle testing in South El Monte, CA, aids in adhering to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks, and enhancing overall safety. This testing method provides employers peace of mind with its dependable compliance with safety standards.
