Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a chronic record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When procured near the scalp, hair can offer up to an estimated 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps involved in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a specimen into a laboratory’s framework. This involves validating that the sample was sealed and shipped adequately, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial cursory evaluation for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage on most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a specimen is deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens are rinsed prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination itself assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Choose Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests? In Albany, CA, hair testing proves superior with its extended detection window, offering up to 90 days of drug use history. Unlike urine tests, which focus on recent usage, hair tests capture a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance habits.
Hair follicle tests present numerous benefits over conventional urine tests. Due to their non-intrusive collection process and nearly impossible tampering chances, the results are more reliable. Plus, the broader detection range ensures employers make informed decisions.
When it comes to drug detection over extended periods, hair follicle tests take the lead. The ability to trace drug use up to 90 days back provides employers in Albany, CA, with a detailed substance usage record.
Extended Detection Window is a crucial factor in hair follicle testing's growing popularity. It offers employers a more thorough understanding of an individual's drug history, fostering more informed employment decisions.
Hair Follicle Tests: Reducing Sample Tampering Emphasizing reliability, hair follicle tests stand out in Albany, CA, with their tamper-resistant nature. The collection process is straightforward yet secure, minimizing the risk of adulterated samples.
With hair follicle testing, accuracy is priority. The method resists tampering efforts, ensuring the results remain valid and dependable. This reliability is pivotal for legal and organizational operations demanding unquestionable integrity.
Convenient Testing Locations Across Albany, CA Accessing drug testing services is hassle-free with nationwide facilities, including in Albany. Accredited Drug Testing’s extensive network ensures fast and convenient testing for everyone.
Testing doesn’t have to be a burden. With numerous locations, including local centers in Albany, CA, accessing hair follicle drug tests is both quick and easy, eliminating unnecessary stress and saving valuable time.
Simplified, Confidential Testing Process Conducting hair follicle drug tests in Albany, CA, involves a discreet and user-friendly process. Privacy is paramount, ensuring individuals feel secure when ordering, undertaking, and receiving their results.
The process is both straightforward and confidential, addressing common concerns about privacy. From scheduling to receiving results, every step is designed to maintain a seamless experience that prioritizes security and confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing Meets Quick Outcomes In Albany, CA, competitive pricing paired with rapid result delivery sets hair follicle tests apart. Organizations opting for this method enjoy excellent value, regardless of their size.
Offering fast turnaround times without compromising affordability showcases why hair follicle tests are preferred. Companies in Albany benefit from cost-effective solutions that deliver timely, reliable results, ensuring optimal resource management.
The hair follicle drug tests conducted in Albany, CA, offer not just speed but incredible accuracy. Leveraging advanced methodologies, these tests are adept at pinpointing substance use efficiently. Precision and promptness are defining characteristics, making them a preferred choice for those seeking quick yet reliable results.
With hair follicle tests, accuracy doesn't have to be compromised. Their ability to detect a wide range of substances quickly ensures that the results are dependable, offering immense peace of mind for individuals and organizations alike.
Hair Testing: Compliance Booster for Employers For businesses in Albany, CA, maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies is critical. Hair follicle testing aids in this by offering a robust method to ensure employees adhere to zero-tolerance policies.
Peace of mind is invaluable for employers, and hair testing delivers just that. By upholding policy compliance and reducing legal risks, this method enhances overall workplace safety and integrity, safeguarding company values.
