Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have established themselves as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair strands provide a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for up to a three-month period. It is straightforward to collect hair, somewhat tricky to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Here, 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair. 'Body hair' includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab analysis of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the initial rapid evaluation for drug misuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be admissible legally. Any samples found to be presumptively positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the toughest methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment actually examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Triumphs Over Urine Testing in Cartago, CA lies in its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests cover a more extended period, showcasing their reliability. When compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers unmatched accuracy and less vulnerability to tampering. It provides a broader window for detecting substance use, ensuring more comprehensive results for various needs.
Extended Detection Period is a defining feature of hair follicle testing in Cartago, CA. Unlike urine tests, which offer a shorter detection window, hair follicle tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days. This extended timeframe offers employers deeper insights into the substance history of potential or current employees, ensuring informed decision-making based on thorough and reliable testing data.
Reliability via Tamper-Resistance is a key attribute of hair follicle tests in Cartago, CA. The testing method significantly reduces opportunities for adulteration, ensuring results remain consistent and credible. Hair samples are less prone to manipulation compared to urine samples, providing peace of mind and a trustworthy basis for evaluations, crucial for maintaining integrity in the testing process.
Convenience of Nationwide and Local Centers facilitates drug testing in Cartago, CA. Our vast network of testing centers ensures accessible services, offering a seamless procedure. With locations spread nationwide, including locally in Cartago, getting tested is quick and hassle-free. This makes it straightforward for individuals and employers to access timely and reliable drug testing services.
Simplified and Confidential Process in Cartago, CA assures ease of use and privacy in drug testing. The procedure for ordering, performing, and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring confidentiality is upheld at all stages. Addressing privacy concerns is paramount, as is maintaining a seamless client experience, reinforcing trust in our services and their accessibility.
Competitive Pricing and Swift Turnaround is what sets our drug testing services apart in Cartago, CA. Our pricing models are designed to be affordable, ensuring great value with expeditious result delivery. We cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive excellent service without strain on resources, thereby offering reassurance through quick and accurately priced testing solutions.
The precision and efficiency of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in Cartago, CA. Designed for rapid processing, these tests ensure high accuracy in detecting various substances. Hair testing technology delivers quick and reliable outcomes, making it the preferred choice for employers and individuals seeking dependable results. This speed and accuracy make hair follicle tests stand out in the industry.
Assured Compliance and Peace of Mind for employers in Cartago, CA is achieved through hair follicle testing. This method aids in adhering to drug-free workplace policies while minimizing legal risks. By implementing hair testing, employers enhance safety and ensure a more productive work environment. Confidence in compliance and safety is boosted, making hair testing an essential component of responsible management practices.
