Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair contains a longer-term record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol consumption over approximately a 3-month period. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to manipulate, and convenient for shipping.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest the specimen be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This process involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid test for drugs of abuse. While cost-effective in excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples showing presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate secondary verification.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is utilized from the original collection for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair testing complex.
To confirm any positive screening outcomes, tests like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are applied. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Caruthers, CA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by providing a more comprehensive drug use history. With higher detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests offer an extensive evaluation compared to the short-term scope of urine tests, making them invaluable for consistent drug-free policies.
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Caruthers, CA, is superior in tracking long-term substance use. With the ability to detect drug and alcohol markers up to 90 days back, employers gain a broader insight into an individual's history, assisting in better candidate assessments.
The hair follicle test's tamper-resistant nature in Caruthers, CA, delivers dependable results. Unlike other methods susceptible to sample adulteration, hair testing is robust, ensuring that the collected sample reflects true usage patterns. This integrity provides the trust needed for critical decision-making.
Accredited Drug Testing's presence in Caruthers, CA, along with nationwide centers, offers convenience and accessibility. With our extensive network, getting tested is quick and simple, enhancing the user experience and encouraging proactive health management.
In Caruthers, CA, our testing process is both simple and confidential. Ordering a test, providing a sample, and receiving results are streamlined to maintain privacy and remove hassle, addressing any concerns and ensuring ease of use for all clients.
Our competitive pricing in Caruthers, CA, coupled with fast turnaround times, makes hair follicle drug testing an attractive option for businesses of every scale. The combination of affordability and rapid result delivery ensures excellent value, aiding informed decisions swiftly.
Hair follicle drug testing in Caruthers, CA, is recognized for its precision and swiftness. This method provides high accuracy levels in detecting substance misuse, leaving little room for false negatives or positives. The quick turnaround time in result delivery ensures timely decisions can be made.
Employers in Caruthers, CA, benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method helps mitigate legal risks and contributes to workplace safety and peace of mind, supporting a secure and compliant work environment.
