Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing offers a comprehensive timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers. When cut near the scalp, it can detect substances for up to 90 days. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and facilitates easy transportation.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, optimal for both screening and confirmation procedures. For testing EtG and/or more than 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair may be substituted. References to head hair specifically indicate scalp hair. On the other hand, body hair includes all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is preliminarily processed into the lab's system. This covers ensuring the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and supplementing any data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as a preliminary check for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective for negating drug presence in most samples, a positive screening status mandates confirmation for court acceptance. All presumptive positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Any sample with a presumptive positive status in Screening leads to additional hair extraction from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, the concentration of drugs extracted from hair is lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any screening positive result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples receive a wash, if necessary, before confirmation. The end-to-end lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Canyondam, CA revolves around its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests offer a broader detection window and greater accuracy, often revealing drug use undetected by urine tests. This method provides reliable insights, essential for employers and legal institutions demanding rigorous drug testing standards.
Extended Detection Window in Canyondam, CA is a primary advantage of hair follicle drug testing. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can trace substance use over a 90-day period, providing a comprehensive view of a person’s drug history. This long-term insight is invaluable for employers monitoring prospective or current employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Canyondam, CA makes hair follicle tests a preferred choice. The authenticity of the sample is hard to compromise, ensuring trustworthy results. This integrity is vital for employers and legal bodies where the accuracy and reliability of test results are paramount.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Canyondam, CA highlight the ease of accessibility offered by our testing centers. With numerous locations, obtaining hair follicle testing is straightforward, allowing swift and hassle-free service, critical for maintaining efficient drug-testing protocols.
Simple, Confidential Process in Canyondam, CA ensures ease when ordering and receiving hair follicle test results. The user-friendly approach respects privacy concerns, catering to individuals and companies needing discreet testing solutions. Functional simplicity combines with confidentiality, ensuring client trust.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Canyondam, CA outline the cost-effectiveness of our hair follicle testing services. Competitive pricing schemes matched with quick result delivery offer businesses great value, ensuring peace of mind without financial strain.
Fast and Reliable Results in Canyondam, CA offer unparalleled accuracy in substance detection. Hair follicle testing ensures rapid turnarounds with precise outcomes, making it an ideal choice for employers keen on maintaining a drug-free workplace. These tests provide comprehensive insights into an individual’s substance use, leaving no room for error.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Canyondam, CA comes with implementing hair follicle testing. These tests support adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. Providing peace of mind, they help maintain a compliant and secure work environment.