Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Black Point, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the strands as they grow. When harvested near the scalp, hair offers an extended detection period of up to three months for substances like alcohol and various drugs. Collection is straightforward, it's fairly challenging to tamper with the sample, and it can be transported with ease.

A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is deemed perfect for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or when testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't an option, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Note that when referring to head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).

Process Overview

The primary stages of processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails processing a sample into the laboratory's system for the first time. This stage involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any additional necessary data entries that aren't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an initial assessment for drug abuse. While it's cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, results need confirmation to be court-admissible when a positive screen occurs. Therefore, any samples that yield presumptive positives in Screening require further Confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is sourced from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration much lower than in methods like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to execute.

Any positive Screening result is validated using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is also reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests offer a more limited detection window.
• Resistant to manipulation: Cheating a hair drug test is remarkably difficult, ensuring more precise results.
• Presents historical usage data: The test reveals a timeline of drug use, not just immediate usage.

Limitations:

• Does not detect recent consumption: Detectability of drugs in hair requires approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Differences such as hair color and personal hair growth patterns can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Important: Despite the term "hair follicle tests" being used, the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Black Point, CA

• Hair testing detects drugs with superior accuracy, covering a broader timeline.
• The reliability of hair analysis surpasses traditional urine tests, leaving little room for error.
• It offers an extensive detection timeline, unlike the limited scope of urine testing.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Black Point, CA

• Hair testing unveils drug use histories spanning up to 90 days.
• For employers, it provides a comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance consumption.
• This elongated timeframe aids in making informed employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing in Black Point, CA

• The integrity of hair follicle testing makes it virtually tamper-proof.
• Sample adulteration becomes unlikely, ensuring credibility of results.
• This reliability boosts confidence in the outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Testing Locations in Black Point, CA

• Our nationwide centers simplify access to testing services.
• Easily reachable locations in Black Point offer hassle-free testing experiences.
• The widespread availability expedites the testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple and Confidential Process in Black Point, CA

• The process is designed to be straightforward and confidential, prioritizing user privacy.
• From ordering to receiving results, every step is convenient and secure.
• This approach addresses privacy concerns effectively.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Black Point, CA

• Our pricing structures are competitive, offering more value.
• Quick result turnaround ensures decisions aren't delayed.
• Businesses of all sizes gain peace of mind with cost-effective solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast and Reliable Results in Black Point, CA

• Hair follicle tests are acclaimed for their precision and swift outcomes.
• The accuracy in identifying substance use ensures confidence in the results delivered.
• Typically, results are processed rapidly, offering timely insights for decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Black Point, CA

• Hair testing ensures adherence to a drug-free workplace policy.
• Employers mitigate potential legal issues by opting for reliable testing.
• This testing approach elevates workplace safety standards.

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