Hair Follicle Drug Testing - California City, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing strand. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is easy to perform, relatively hard to tamper with, and conveniently shipped.

A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, like facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The four primary stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into a lab’s system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.

Screening constitutes a preliminary swift assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means of excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legally defensible. Samples presumed positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.

If a sample is assumed positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a substantially lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug screening the most complex methodologically.

Positive Screening outcomes are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All assumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and accredited per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extensive detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection span.
• Hard to deceive: Cheating a hair drug test is extremely challenging, ensuring more precise outcomes.
• Shows usage history: It reveals a pattern of drug consumption over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent consumption: Drugs take about 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs than other drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Aspects such as hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: The test often termed "hair follicle tests" actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle within the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In the debate between hair and urine drug tests in California City, CA, hair testing comes out ahead. The benefits are numerous: superior detection accuracy, longer detection periods, and a lesser likelihood of evasion. For many employers, it's become the preferred choice over conventional urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in California City, CA favor hair follicle testing for its longer detection window, which can trace substance use for up to 90 days. This extended period gives employers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's habits, surpassing the limited capabilities of shorter-term tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The challenge of ensuring test integrity is well met by hair follicle testing in California City, CA. Its tamper-resistant nature reduces the risk of adulteration. This reliability offers peace of mind, as the results are credible and trustworthy, crucial for maintaining stringent standards.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Navigating drug testing logistics is simplified by our nationwide testing centers, including local options in California City, CA. These facilities offer convenient and hassle-free access, making it easier than ever for individuals and companies to fulfill their testing needs swiftly and efficiently.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for hair testing in California City, CA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting samples and receiving results, every step is crafted to maintain privacy, ensuring an experience that addresses concerns over personal data protection and ease of use.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround, our services in California City, CA ensure affordability without sacrificing quality. We deliver fast results, providing excellent value, especially for companies that require cost-effective solutions without compromising on reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The appeal of hair follicle testing in California City, CA lies in its precision and dependable results. These tests excel in identifying substance use with unparalleled accuracy. Fast and reliable outcomes build trust in situations where substance detection is critical, ensuring decisions are based on the most accurate data available.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Hair follicle testing in California City, CA offers compliance reassurance for employers. By adhering to workplace drug-free policies, it mitigates legal risks and fortifies workplace safety. Employers can achieve peace of mind knowing they are steadfastly enforcing standards that protect both their business and their employees.

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