Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to about three months for drugs and alcohol. Its collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
To gather an ideal sample for both screening and confirmation, a 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp is required to provide 100mg of hair. For additional analyses like EtG or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. References to head hair denote exclusively scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample in the laboratory's system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial, swift assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening serves as a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome necessitates confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptively positive samples in Screening demand a follow-up confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is withdrawn from the initial specimen for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a substantially lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Angela, MT
For thorough and effective results, hair analysis is unmatched.
Extended Detection Window in Angela, MT
It grants employers in-depth insights into a potential or current employee's behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Angela, MT
Users have confidence in the accuracy of the test results it provides.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Angela, MT
This convenience is a testament to our commitment to client service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Angela, MT
Concerns over privacy and simplicity are effectively addressed.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Angela, MT
Clients enjoy both cost efficiency and rapid results delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Angela, MT
Clients value the quick turnaround and assurance that comes with this method.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Angela, MT
Employers attain peace of mind with reduced legal risks.