Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a protracted timeline of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within its growing fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal usage for approximately a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and it is easy to send.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (about the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses any other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample in a lab's system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples testing positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is deemed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug exams.
Confirmation of any positive screen is conducted through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is systematically evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis concentrates on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Carson, CA
In comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine testing, hair samples provide superior detection for long-term substance use. This reliability and accuracy make hair testing preferred for detailed drug monitoring.
Extended Detection Window in West Carson, CA
Hair tests provide a comprehensive view of drug use history, detecting substance exposure for up to 90 days. This extensive window offers employers detailed insights into an individual's substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Carson, CA
Hair follicle testing reduces the risk of sample tampering, offering results that are both reliable and free from manipulation. This method ensures accuracy in evaluating substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Carson, CA
Our drug testing centers are conveniently located nationwide, including West Carson, CA, allowing for easy and quick access to reliable testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Carson, CA
Our hair testing process is straightforward and respects privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the entire procedure ensures confidentiality, catering to user concerns efficiently.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Carson, CA
Enjoy competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times with our hair follicle testing services. We offer excellent value for businesses of all sizes seeking quick and reliable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Carson, CA
Hair follicle drug tests deliver precise and swift results. The accuracy in detecting substances is unmatched, ensuring trusted outcomes for employers seeking dependable employee assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Carson, CA
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing approach lowers legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.
