Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs by maintaining biomarkers within the fibers of the elongating hair strand. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can present roughly a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of about 200 strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases involved in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a specimen into a lab’s framework. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transmitted, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the majority of specimens, a positive screen must be validated to be deemed permissible in court. Any specimens that yield a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is found presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are abstracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Tests
Hair follicle testing offers exceptional detection accuracy, allowing for a better assessment compared to traditional urine tests. Employers in Blacklake find it superior due to its extended detection window. Unlike urine tests, hair samples reveal drug use over months, offering more reliable information.
Extended Detection Window in Blacklake, CA
The hair follicle drug test's ability to trace substance use for up to 90 days makes it invaluable for employers. In Blacklake, this extended detection period provides a comprehensive view of an individual's drug history, assisting in informed decision-making during hiring.
Secure Testing Process
Hair follicle testing in Blacklake is tamper-resistant, reducing the risk of sample adulteration. Its reliable results are unquestionable, providing employers with peace of mind. This method ensures that the integrity of the drug testing process is maintained at all times.
Convenient Testing Across the Nation
With Accredited Drug Testing, Blacklake residents benefit from our nationwide network, ensuring easy access to testing facilities. This extensive reach provides seamless and efficient drug testing services for those in Blacklake, offering convenience and reliability.
Effortless and Confidential Testing
Our process in Blacklake, CA, is designed to be simple and discreet, ensuring privacy is paramount. From organizing the test to receiving results, each step is clear and confidential, catering to the needs of employers and individuals alike.
Budget-Friendly Testing with Quick Results
Offering competitive pricing, our hair follicle tests in Blacklake provide excellent value. Coupled with swift turnaround times, they're an ideal choice for businesses aiming for cost-effective and reliable drug monitoring solutions.
Fast and Effective Drug Testing in Blacklake, CA
Hair follicle testing in Blacklake is renowned for its speed and precision. This method provides accurate results that detect substance use, ensuring Blacklake employers receive reliable data swiftly. Our testing guarantees high precision, helping organizations maintain a drug-free workplace.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers
In Blacklake, CA, hair follicle testing helps employers ensure compliance with drug-free policies, safeguarding them from legal challenges. Implementing this testing not only reduces legal risks but also promotes a safer, more productive work environment.
