Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now perceived as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-duration record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or examinations beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample are advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable volume of body hair can be collected. In our references to head hair, we exclusively mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a distinct LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills any additional data entry gaps not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Any samples with presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive outcome in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those detected through other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug screening.
The Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing as required before confirmation. Every part of the laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, follows a thorough review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Afton, CA
Hair follicle testing in Afton, CA, offers distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Among these benefits are superior detection capabilities, accuracy, and reliability. Hair tests can reveal prolonged drug use, thereby providing a far-reaching overview of substance activity compared to urine tests, which are limited by shorter detection windows.
Extended Detection Window in Afton, CA
The hair follicle testing method extends the detection of drug use to up to 90 days, which is greatly beneficial for employers in Afton, CA. This long detection window permits employers to gain insights into the extended substance use patterns of applicants or employees, ensuring a thoroughly evaluated substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Afton, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly lessen the likelihood of sample contamination, providing highly reliable and unquestionable results. This tamper-resistant nature ensures that all tests conducted in Afton, CA, stand up to scrutiny—offering the assurance employers and legal entities require.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Afton, CA
With numerous haіr follicle testing centers nationwide, including in Afton, CA, the accessibility to our services is greatly enhanced. This widespread network ensures quick, effortless, and stress-free access to testing services, fulfilling the demands of clients efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Afton, CA
The process for ordering and obtaining hair follicle test results in Afton, CA, is straightforward and ensures complete confidentiality. From placing a test order to receiving the results, privacy and simplicity are maintained, addressing user concerns regarding discretion and ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Afton, CA
Our favorable pricing structures combined with swift result times render hair follicle testing a viable choice for companies of all sizes in Afton, CA. These factors underpin the excellent value proposition, granting peace of mind and competitive advantage to businesses seeking efficient drug screening solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Afton, CA
In Afton, CA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. These tests surpass traditional methods, providing quick results while ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance use. Their swift processing time makes them an ideal choice for individuals and companies seeking timely insights into drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Afton, CA
Utilizing hair follicle testing can assure employers of compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This degree of assurance reduces potential legal risks while boosting work safety. Employers in Afton, CA can experience enhanced peace of mind, knowing they are maintaining a secure work environment.
