Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has evolved as an effective means for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. The hair strand captures markers in its fibers as it grows, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When taken from the scalp, it gives a detection period of up to about 90 days for substances and alcohol. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch piece consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional options, and/or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale is advisable for weighing the sample. If head hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. By "head hair," we mean only scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four fundamental stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial integration of a sample into a lab's process. This step includes ensuring the sample was sealed and sent correctly, issuing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry lacking an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although it is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in the bulk of samples, any positive screening must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples suspected to be positive in Screening need secondary verification.
If a sample is thought positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and organized for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis a more challenging method to conduct.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is accomplished via methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples considered presumptive positive are cleaned before confirmation as required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Apple Valley, CA, the superiority of hair follicle testing is evident when compared to urine tests. Hair tests offer enhanced accuracy in detecting drug use, with an extended detection period reaching up to 90 days, which urine tests can't match. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s drug history.
While urine tests are best for recent use detection, hair tests are unparalleled for long-term substance use history, offering a more reliable and tamper-resistant method.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Apple Valley, CA, is a key benefit. Unlike urine tests that are limited to a short detection period, hair tests can reveal drug use over an extensive timeframe of up to 90 days. This provides a comprehensive picture of an applicant or employee’s drug consumption patterns.
This capability aids employers in making informed decisions regarding potential hires or ongoing staff evaluation.
Tampering with test samples is significantly reduced when selecting hair follicle testing in Apple Valley, CA. The nature of hair testing makes it resilient against adulteration and substitution, unlike urine tests susceptible to sample contamination or switching.
This secure method ensures the integrity of test outcomes, fortifying trust in the testing process.
With convenient testing locations spread nationwide, including Apple Valley, CA, participating in a hair follicle test has never been easier. Our accessible centers ensure you can undergo testing quickly and without hassle.
The availability of local and widespread centers eliminates the stress of finding a testing site, providing a seamless process for individuals and employers alike.
The process of conducting a hair follicle test in Apple Valley, CA, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is designed with privacy and ease in mind. This approach is crucial for individuals concerned about confidentiality and a smooth experience.
Such straightforward processes empower clients to access accurate information without privacy concerns.
Hair follicle testing in Apple Valley, CA, is not only fast and reliable but also competitively priced. Our pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value while ensuring tests are completed swiftly, offering peace of mind for businesses of all sizes.
Budget-friendly options make hair testing an appealing choice for companies looking to uphold high standards without excessive costs. Swift turnaround times further enhance the service’s attractiveness by meeting the needs of businesses promptly.
Hair follicle tests in Apple Valley, CA, are distinguished by their fast and reliable outcomes. Their exceptional speed allows for quick detection of substance use, ideal for situations requiring time-sensitive results. The precision of these tests is unmatched, ensuring accurate identification of drug presence.
Such advantages make hair testing a top choice for those seeking dependable drug screening solutions.
Employers in Apple Valley, CA, benefit greatly from the compliance assurances provided by hair follicle testing. Implementing this test helps adhere to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety.
The peace of mind that comes with reliable and thorough testing offers significant advantages, keeping the workforce productive while decreasing risks associated with illicit drug use. This is especially critical for maintaining a healthy and lawful working environment.
