Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a chronicle of alcohol and drug use by containing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken from close to the scalp, hair can potentially offer up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for evaluation and verification. For EtG add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair indicates scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. This step involves verifying the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug use for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test positive in Screening need to be verified through additional confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is notably challenging to execute.
Any positive screening outcome undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples that appear positive initially are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligns with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Castle Park, CA, hair follicle testing stands out when compared to traditional urine tests, offering several advantages that make it a preferred choice. Hair tests boast a wider detection window and are renowned for superior accuracy, capturing drug use more reliably than urine tests. As such, organizations can depend on hair testing to ensure adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing the risk of false negatives and fostering a safer workplace.
Employers in Castle Park, CA benefit from the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing. With the capability to reveal drug use history up to 90 days prior, this method gives a thorough picture of an employee or applicant's substance habits. This long-range detection is a powerful tool for employers who prioritize maintaining a substance-free workplace and wish to evaluate candidates comprehensively and accurately.
Hair follicle testing in Castle Park, CA is designed to be resistant to tampering, ensuring the integrity of the test results. Unlike other testing methods, the ability to adulterate or replace samples is significantly reduced, offering peace of mind and trustworthy outcomes for employers and organizations. This robust testing method underscores a commitment to obtaining clear and reliable drug use assessments.
Access to testing services is simplified for residents of Castle Park, CA through a network of convenient nationwide locations. Our testing centers provide easy access to necessary services without any hassle. This widespread availability ensures that whether near or far, clients have quick and direct access to reliable testing facilities, reinforcing the commitment to timely and convenient service provision.
In Castle Park, CA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential, catering to concerns of privacy and accessibility. From ordering to receiving results, the steps are streamlined for ease of use, ensuring that clients experience a seamless process. This dedication to simplicity and confidentiality ensures client comfort and trust throughout the testing journey.
Castle Park, CA offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing without compromising speed and quality. With a focus on affordability, businesses of all sizes can benefit from quick turnaround times combined with excellent value. These offerings ensure that companies can maintain their commitment to a drug-free workplace without straining their financial resources, achieving both cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Hair follicle drug testing in Castle Park, CA offers unbeatable precision and rapid results. With a focus on accuracy, these tests quickly and effectively identify substance usage, making them a preferred option for employers and organizations aiming to maintain a drug-free environment. The high accuracy of hair tests ensures that the results are reliable, leaving no room for doubt or error in substance detection.
For employers in Castle Park, CA, hair follicle testing provides compliance peace of mind. By adopting this thorough testing method, businesses can adhere to workplace drug policies more effectively, thereby reducing legal risks. Additionally, ensuring a safer work environment not only enhances productivity but also fosters a culture of trust and accountability among employees.
