Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hairs as they grow. When collected from near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use history for up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to adulteration, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing about 200 strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing. For EtG enhancements and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be used, an equivalent volume of body hair may be gathered. When mentioned, head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, and so forth).
Process Overview
The principal stages in processing a drug test in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial entry of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This phase ensures the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional entry work not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary step to quickly identify drug abuse. While it's a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, Screening positives must be validated to hold up in court. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening need further confirmation.
Should the Screening stage identify a sample as potentially positive, additional hair is extracted from the given specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
To confirm a positive Screening outcome, tests like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. Any presumptive positive samples get a wash before confirmation as needed. The laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is gauged against the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Biggs, CA
When comparing hair follicle and urine testing, the former offers superior detection accuracy and reliability due to its extended detection period. Hair tests can uncover substance use that urine tests might miss, making them invaluable for stringent drug policies and legal requirements.
Employers benefit from a more thorough history of an individual's substance use, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Biggs, CA
The primary advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This feature provides employers with a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, aiding in more informed decisions.
Such an extended window allows for accurate tracking of chronic drug use, offering peace of mind to both employers and legal entities alike.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Biggs, CA
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. Traditional urine tests are prone to manipulation, but hair tests provide a tamper-resistant solution.
This method's integrity ensures that the results are trustworthy, making it a preferred choice for courts and employers seeking definitive evidence of substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Biggs, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including local options in Biggs, CA, ensures effortless access to testing services. This convenience allows for quick, hassle-free testing processes.
Employers and individuals can trust the vast reach of our services, which facilitate seamless coordination and rapid test availability wherever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Biggs, CA
Our streamlined and confidential procedures for ordering, conducting, and receiving test results address privacy concerns, making the process user-friendly.
From start to finish, confidentiality is maintained, ensuring individuals feel secure throughout the entire testing experience, reinforcing trust in our services.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Biggs, CA
We emphasize competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, offering excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our efficient service ensures peace of mind with fast, reliable results.
This cost-effectiveness makes our testing options highly appealing to companies, balancing quality with affordability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Biggs, CA
Hair follicle drug tests provide precision and speed, offering high accuracy in detecting substance use. This testing method ensures swift results that are reliable, making it an ideal choice for employers and organizations in Biggs, CA.
These tests excel in identifying a wide range of substances, ensuring that individuals' drug use is effectively monitored and addressed.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Biggs, CA
Using hair follicle testing assists in ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks, and fostering a secure working environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that their compliance requirements are met, safeguarding employees' welfare and maintaining efficiency in operations.
