Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved into a robust method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a lasting record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the elongating strand. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers as much as a 3-month detection period for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A hair segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil’s thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for examinations and confirmations. For EtG, additional tests, or screenings beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is advised for precision in measuring the sample. If scalp hair isn't present, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. The term 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Outline
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s framework. This process ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any supplemental data not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system is entered.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for detecting drugs of abuse. Although it's a cost-efficient technique to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples testing preliminarily positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. Here, substances are drawn from the hair at concentrations significantly lower than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening more demanding.
Confirmation of any positive screening finding is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing preliminary positives undergo a cleansing process before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing - Almonte, CA
Opt for the superior method for comprehensive results.
Extended Detection Window - Almonte, CA
Leverage the prolonged detection window for strategic advantages.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method - Almonte, CA
Count on hair testing for assured accuracy.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations - Almonte, CA
Experience seamless testing thanks to accessible locations.
Simple, Confidential Process - Almonte, CA
Choose our services for an uncomplicated and private experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround - Almonte, CA
Ensure timely and budget-friendly testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results - Almonte, CA
Choose hair testing for unquestionable results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers - Almonte, CA
Secure the workplace with peace of mind through effective testing.