Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying substances of abuse and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain indicators of alcohol and other drugs within their structure, providing a comprehensive record over an extended period. When cut close to the scalp, hair can present a detection timeframe of up to 90 days for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length and containing approximately 200 strands near the scalp yields about 100mg, which is optimal for analysis. For EtG, specialized screening, or when the test exceeds 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for precise measurement. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" is strictly scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or armpit hair).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step, where the sample is integrated into the lab's system. This includes checking that sealing and shipping were correctly performed, assigning a unique LAN, and completing any necessary data not included in an electronic custody record.
Screening is a preliminary check for any indication of drug presence. Though Screening effectively dismisses drug use in most cases, a positive identification requires further verification for legal acceptability. Any initially positive samples from Screening need a second layer of confirmation.
If a positive result appears at Screening, additional hair from the sample is taken for Extraction. This process involves removing substances from the hair at much lower concentrations than other mediums (such as urine or saliva), explaining why hair analysis is a challenging method.
Confirmation of positive results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The whole process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both CAP's Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The often-used term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer, as the analysis is performed on the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Bostonia, CA, finds hair follicle testing superior to traditional urine testing due to its enhanced detection capabilities. Hair testing provides accurate results even when drugs have been used months ago, surpassing the limited detection window of urine tests. Employers and legal authorities favor hair tests for their reliability in uncovering long-term substance abuse patterns, making them a preferred choice.
Hair follicle testing in Bostonia, CA, offers an extended detection window, uncovering drug use up to 90 days. This thorough analysis provides employers with detailed insights into an individual's substance history, which urine tests cannot match. By revealing drug consumption over a longer period, hair testing ensures a comprehensive review, enhancing informed hiring and retention decisions.
With hair follicle tests in Bostonia, CA, the integrity of testing is fortified against tampering. Unlike other methods, this process makes it significantly difficult to adulterate samples. This reliability ensures that the results are trustworthy and decisive, giving stakeholders the confidence that the data they receive is genuine and robust, preventing manipulation.
Benefit from the convenience of nationwide and local testing locations, including in Bostonia, CA. Accredited Drug Testing offers easy access to our services, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all clients. With centers across the country, obtaining a reliable drug test has never been simpler, streamlining the process for quick and efficient service.
The process in Bostonia, CA, is made straightforward and confidential when it comes to ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results. Addressing privacy concerns, the method is user-friendly and secure, ensuring that clients have peace of mind knowing that their information is protected and that obtaining results is a seamless experience.
In Bostonia, CA, we offer hair follicle testing with competitive pricing and quick turnaround. Our affordable rates provide exceptional value, ensuring that companies of all sizes can access these crucial services. Fast result delivery means that businesses can make informed decisions promptly, reinforcing operational efficiency and financial savvy.
In Bostonia, CA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for offering fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests is unparalleled, ensuring the detection of substance use with high confidence. Rapid analysis means you receive timely information, allowing for quick decision-making. This efficiency supports a proactive approach to maintaining a drug-free environment.
Employers in Bostonia, CA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. In alignment with workplace drug-free policies, this method reduces legal risks and enhances safety within the workplace. By consistently utilizing hair testing, companies foster a secure environment, ensuring that compliance is maintained effortlessly and effectively.