Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed, long-term record of substance use through the incorporation of biomarkers within the hair fiber. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a three-month usage timeline for alcohol and other substances. This method is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch length, with roughly 200 strands of hair (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, is optimal, yielding 100mg for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's best to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' specifically means 'scalp hair,' while 'body hair' covers all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test analysis in the lab encompasses four core stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where samples enter a lab's framework. This includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, creating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data work absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substance misuse. Despite being a cost-efficient means to rule out drug usage in most cases, a positive screen must be verified to stand up in a legal setting. Samples flagged as positive during Screening need a second confirmation.
In case of a positive indication during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, substances are extracted at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), highlighting the complexity of hair testing.
Positive screening results are confirmed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Almanor, CA, hair follicle testing offers considerable advantages over urine tests. A key benefit of hair testing is its superior ability to detect drug use over a much extended period. This method provides a more comprehensive understanding of a person's substance use history.
Unlike urine tests, hair follicle tests deliver unmatched detection accuracy and reliability, making them a preferred choice for a more thorough drug use assessment.
With hair follicle testing in Almanor, CA, the detection window for drug use extends to an impressive 90 days. This extended period allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history, invaluable for making informed hiring and employment decisions.
This longer detection period enhances employers' ability to identify ongoing substance use issues, contributing to better workplace safety and decision-making.
One of the marked benefits of hair follicle testing in Almanor, CA, is its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the integrity and reliability of test results.
Individuals cannot easily manipulate hair samples, providing employers with unquestionable evidence of drug use, crucial for maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Almanor, CA, provides unparalleled convenience for drug testing services. Our local centers ensure quick and hassle-free access to testing services.
Businesses and individuals can easily find a location nearby, simplifying the process and reducing wait times, thereby ensuring a smoother testing experience.
Our process in Almanor, CA is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use for all clients. From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize confidentiality to maintain trust and security.
No complicated steps are involved, allowing individuals and businesses to engage with testing services efficiently while maintaining peace of mind regarding personal data.
In Almanor, CA, we offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. Our cost-effective solutions deliver great value to companies of all sizes.
The fast turnaround times mean that businesses can rely on our services for timely results, enhancing operational efficiency without breaking the budget.
The hair follicle drug testing offered in Almanor, CA stands out for its fast and accurate results, ensuring detection of substance use with high precision. Hair tests are known for their reliable outcomes, which surpass the standards of traditional testing methods.
Our efficient process guarantees quick turnaround ensuring employers and individuals receive timely information critical to decision-making processes in drug screening.
Hair follicle testing in Almanor, CA, offers peace of mind to employers by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Implementing hair testing reduces legal risks and enhances safety within the work environment.
Employers benefit from knowing they are employing reliable testing methods that provide accurate representation of employee behavior, thus fostering a safer and more compliant workplace.
