The Four Steps to Hair Analysis

1. Accessioning
   Hair samples are received, opened, checked for errors and prepared for screening. The chain of custody is continued in a secure laboratory environment. Specimen information is entered in the laboratory database.
2. Screening
   Samples are screened for drugs using Enzyme Immuno-Assay (EIA) Methodology. High-speed auto analyzers are utilized to ensure rapid turnaround times. Results are updated in the database.
3. Extraction
   Drugs are extracted from samples screening positive using Solid Phase Extraction techniques. Drugs are then chemically derivitized to enable trace amounts to be detected.
4. Gas Chromotography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
   State-of-the-art, high sensitivity GC/MS instruments are utilized to detect trace amounts of drugs in the sample. As little as 1 trillionth of a gram can be detected. This is the final step in confirming a positive test result.