Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Phelan, CA

What it is, How it works

The use of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. This technique offers an extended record of substance use through the entrapment of biomarkers within the strands of hair as they develop. When hair is gathered near the scalp, it can reveal substance use within roughly the past three months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and easily manageable for transportation.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For tests such as EtG enhancements or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, body hair in an equivalent measure may be used. Regarding head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process of drug testing involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning marks the entry of a sample into the laboratory's system. This stage ensures the sample's proper packaging and shipment, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening constitutes a preliminary evaluation for drug abuse. While it's a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug use in most cases, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal validity. Presumptive positives in Screening demand further confirmation.

In cases of presumptive positive results in Screening, additional hair is utilized from the specimen and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is notably complex.

Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before proceeding to confirmation if required. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation receives scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair tests uncover drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with their shorter detection periods.
• Challenging to compromise: The integrity of hair drug tests makes it exceedingly difficult to manipulate results.
• Captures historical consumption: It reflects a timeline of drug use, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Recent usage detection: Drugs take about 5-7 days before becoming noticeable in hair samples.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically involves higher costs than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Differences in hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", it is the hair strand that is analyzed, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Phelan, CA presents a compelling case for selecting hair analysis over traditional urine tests due to better detection precision and dependability.

• Longer detection period offers extensive insight into substance use.
• Less invasive, more comprehensive assessments.
• Increased reliability makes it the preferred choice for many.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Phelan, CA illustrates how hair analysis provides a broader view into an individual's substance use over up to 90 days, a preferred choice for employers.

• Comprehensive overview of applicant or employee's substance history.
• Detection up to 90 days offers thorough insight.
• Reliable historical view aids informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Phelan, CA emphasizes the dependability of hair follicle assessments, which significantly prevent sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy results.

• Ensures sample integrity is maintained.
• Reduces risk of test manipulation.
• Delivers unquestionable results, safeguarding reliability.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Phelan, CA stress the ease of access to drug testing services, thanks to our widespread centers.

• Nationwide locations offer unparalleled convenience.
• Local centers ensure quick and hassle-free testing.
• Simple appointment scheduling reduces wait times.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Phelan, CA assures individuals of the discretion and ease involved in ordering, undertaking, and retrieving test findings, addressing privacy worries.

• Streamlined process ensures user-friendliness.
• Privacy is prioritized throughout the procedure.
• Confidential handling of results respects clients' concerns.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Phelan, CA reiterates our competitive pricing and swift report times, delivering outstanding value for businesses of any size.

• Cost-effective solutions for diverse budgets.
• Quick turnaround times without compromising quality.
• Exceptional value ensures client satisfaction.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Phelan, CA highlight the remarkable precision and promptness of hair follicle drug examinations, showcasing their unparalleled accuracy in identifying substance use.

• Precision in results, offering confidence in findings.
• Speedy analysis ensuring timely reports.
• Unmatched accuracy enhances trustworthiness.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Phelan, CA highlights how using hair analysis aids in adhering to workplace drug policies, minimizing legal risks, and enhancing safety.

• Ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
• Reduces legal liabilities for employers.
• Promotes a safer, more productive workplace environment.

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