Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Bishop, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is widely regarded as a robust method for detecting the use of alcohol and drugs. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers as hair grows, it provides a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. Hair samples collected close to the scalp can offer detection windows of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. This method is easy to perform, difficult to adulterate, and simple to transport.

Taking a 1.5-inch sample containing around 200 strands nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).

Process Overview

The laboratory process for a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the laboratory’s system. This ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system might not cover.

In Screening, an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse is performed. While it is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening need secondary confirmation.

For presumptive positives in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are identified at lower concentrations in hair compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation for any positive screening result is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Needed presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized according to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with shorter detection spans.
• Hard to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is challenging, ensuring higher accuracy.
• Historical patterns: It reveals drug use patterns over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be costlier compared to other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Variables such as hair color and individual growth rates can impact drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Bishop, CA is clear when comparing benefits. Hair samples provide superior detection accuracies and reliability over traditional urinalysis, highlighting its enhanced suitability.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Bishop, CA allows employers to view up to 90 days of an individual's substance history with hair testing, far surpassing the typical range of urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Bishop, CA elevates the standard, significantly lowering the chance of manipulations and providing assured, credible results.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Bishop, CA ensure swift and stress-free access to drug testing services, enhancing ease for clients regionally and nationwide.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Bishop, CA guarantees an easy and private approach for testing needs, from ordering to result delivery, addressing any concerns about privacy.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Bishop, CA highlight our competitive advantage, allowing all businesses fast and value-driven testing solutions within budgetary means.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Bishop, CA stand out with hair follicle testing, offering unmatched precision in substance detection, ensuring accurate outcomes every time.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Bishop, CA becomes effortless with hair follicle tests, reinforcing policy adherence, mitigating legal risks, and fostering a safer work environment.

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