Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective method to identify drug and alcohol usage, presenting a comprehensive timeline by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of up to nearly three months for substances including alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands, akin to a #2 pencil's thickness, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilize a jeweler’s scale for accurate measuring of the specimen. Should scalp hair be unobtainable, equivalent body hair may be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial procedure where a sample is processed into a lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipping. It also involves assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) and handling additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment to detect drug abuse. Despite being a cost-efficient method to negate drug use for most samples, positive screens necessitate confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that exhibit presumptive positivity in Screening call for further confirmation.
Presumptive positives in Screening trigger additional hair extraction from the existing sample for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than in methodologies like urine or oral fluid, underscoring hair drug screening's complexity.
Confirmation for any positive Screen involves techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing is performed on all presumptive positive samples before confirmation. The complete lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, is audited under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, conforming to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the testing process examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Antelope, CA
In many cases, hair testing offers superior detection and reliability over urine tests. Hair tests provide a more extended timeframe for detecting drug use, which is invaluable for employers seeking detailed substance use histories. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are almost foolproof against tampering, thus ensuring greater reliability and accuracy.
Extended Detection Window in Antelope, CA
Hair follicle testing allows for a detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers in Antelope a comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits over time. This extended period significantly surpasses the typical urine test and is invaluable for creating a full picture of someone’s substance use history, crucial for workplace safety and candidate assessment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Antelope, CA
Hair follicle tests are inherently resistant to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated or manipulated, hair samples provide an unmistakable record of drug use history. This method guarantees trustworthy and undeniable results, allowing employers and legal entities to rely on them for crucial decision-making processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Antelope, CA
Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of testing centers nationwide, ensuring easy access to testing services in Antelope. Whether you're local or traveling, our centers provide hassle-free and quick testing solutions. This nationwide presence underscores our commitment to accessibility and convenience, contributing to a seamless testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Antelope, CA
Offering a straightforward and confidential procedure, hair follicle testing outlines a seamless path from ordering to obtaining results. We prioritize privacy to ease concerns, transforming what might be a complex process into a user-friendly service. From start to finish, the focus is on privacy and simplicity, making the experience reliable and secure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Antelope, CA
Our competitive pricing structure and rapid turnaround ensure excellent value for organizations. Providing prompt results without sacrificing accuracy at an affordable rate gives companies of all sizes peace of mind and budget efficiency. This combination makes us the preferred choice for drug testing needs in Antelope.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Antelope, CA
Hair follicle drug tests ensure precision and speed when detecting substance use. Known for their high accuracy, these tests quickly identify substances, giving dependable results that both employers and legal bodies in Antelope count on. This testing method shines due to its swift process, meaning you don’t have to wait long to receive or trust your results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Antelope, CA
Using hair follicle testing ensures that employers adhere to stringent drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting workplace safety. Its thorough and accurate nature offers peace of mind, certifying compliance with industry standards and regulations. This reassurance translates into a safer, more reliable working environment.
