Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Burney, CA

What it is, How it works

Recognized as a potent means for uncovering substance use, hair testing offers an extended record of drug and alcohol consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reflect a timeline of up to roughly three months for detecting alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to gather, tough to tamper with, and convenient to ship.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, deemed optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or comprehensive tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning refers to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This process involves checking that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is a preliminary assessment to detect drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be verified to stand in judicial settings. Samples identified as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the most intricate methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is completed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection window.
• Hard to manipulate: It's extremely challenging to falsify a hair drug test, yielding highly reliable results.
• Reveals historical trends: This test outlines a pattern of substance use over time, rather than only recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Incapable of detecting recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after roughly 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug testing is typically more costly compared to other testing methods.
• Result fluctuations: Variables such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolites’ concentration in hair.

Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Burney, CA
The advantages of hair testing over urine tests are clear. Hair tests offer superior detection capabilities, capturing drug use over a much longer period. With a nearly impossible chance of tampering and its greater accuracy, hair testing ensures better reliability when screening for substance use.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Burney, CA
One compelling feature of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This method provides employers with a thorough insight into the substance use history of a potential or current employee, enabling more informed hiring and management decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Burney, CA
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their robust resistance to sample adulteration. Their design significantly minimizes the risk of fraud, offering dependable and unquestionable results. This reliability makes it a preferred choice for employers and courts ensuring genuine assessments.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Burney, CA
Our wide network of testing centers makes accessing hair follicle analysis both simple and convenient. Whether in Burney or beyond, our nationwide facilities ensure quick, hassle-free testing access, catering to diverse client needs effectively.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Burney, CA
Our hair follicle testing process prioritizes ease and privacy. From ordering to receiving results, each step is straightforward and discrete. We maintain confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring a smooth experience for all clients.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Burney, CA
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing an excellent value. We offer budget-friendly options and prioritize quick results, catering to companies of varying sizes who seek efficient and cost-effective drug testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Burney, CA
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and rapid turnaround. The accuracy of detecting substance use through hair samples is unmatched, ensuring peace of mind for employers and other stakeholders. Results are obtained swiftly, enhancing the efficiency of the testing process and aiding quick decision-making.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Burney, CA
Utilizing hair follicle testing supports business compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety, ensuring employers can enforce their policy rules effectively while maintaining a secure work environment.

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