Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair offers an extended record of substance consumption by embedding markers within hair strand fibers as they grow. When taken closely from the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) adjacent to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When implying head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing a drug test result in a laboratory encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning requires the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory system. This process confirms the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, the assignment of a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and the execution of any necessary data entry absent from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an initial brief assessment for drug presence. While Screening is an economically viable way to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive outcome must be verified for legal acceptability. Any samples with a likely positive screen mandate further confirmation.
If a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction preparation. In this step, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower doses compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is notably challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive outcomes from Screening is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair regulations and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Ballard, CA, hair follicle testing outranks traditional urine tests due to superior detection accuracy. With a longer detection window, hair tests provide a broader overview of substance use history, unlike urine tests, which only detect recent use. The reliability of hair testing also lies in its tamper-resistant nature, thwarting attempts to alter results and ensuring authentic readings every time.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Ballard, CA, is a major advantage. By covering up to 90 days of drug use, it grants employers a comprehensive assessment of an individual's drug history. This lengthy analysis period surpasses standard tests, providing a deeper insight into patterns of substance use and contributing to informed decision-making in the workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Ballard, CA, is a tamper-resistant method that significantly diminishes sample adulteration risks. Unlike other test types, it's difficult to alter the outcome of hair follicle tests. This provides reliability and security for both individuals and organizations, ensuring an unquestionable screening process and offering peace of mind that results are authentic.
Our nationwide testing centers, including local facilities in Ballard, CA, offer convenient access to testing services. With locations spread across various cities, finding a nearby center for drug testing is simple, allowing for quick and seamless service. This widespread availability ensures individuals and organizations can easily meet their testing needs without unnecessary delays.
In Ballard, CA, our simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing prioritizes privacy and ease of use. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step is designed to protect personal information. With a straightforward approach, clients can comfortably navigate the process, ensuring their concerns regarding confidentiality and simplicity are fully addressed.
Our hair follicle testing in Ballard, CA, emphasizes affordable pricing and quick turnaround. Competitive pricing structures provide excellent value, accommodating companies of all sizes. The swift processing of results ensures minimal waiting, enhancing client satisfaction. These benefits combine to offer peace of mind and efficient service, meeting diverse organizational testing requirements effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Ballard, CA, delivers fast, accurate, and reliable results. Known for its precision, this method detects substance use with remarkable accuracy. The testing process is designed to yield quick outcomes, minimizing wait times. With its high level of reliability, hair follicle testing ensures dependable results for individuals and organizations seeking thorough screening.
Employers in Ballard, CA, benefit from peace of mind and compliance when utilizing hair follicle testing. This method helps ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. By providing a consistent and reliable approach to drug screening, employers can reduce the likelihood of incident-related legal issues while fostering a secure work environment.
