Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is esteemed as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides an extended history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. If collected close to the scalp, it offers up to a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion from approximately 200 strands of hair (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advocate the use of a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Overview of the Process
The laboratory processing of a drug test follows four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. It encompasses confirming that a sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data input not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to negate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples that are presumed positive in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is considered positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations much lower than those in other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is recognized as the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screen result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and certification in ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of Hair Drug Testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why opt for hair follicle drug tests over urine tests in Cedarville, CA? The answer lies in the superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair testing. While urine tests identify recent drug use, hair follicle tests provide a broader detection window. Employers value this capability for maintaining and enforcing zero-tolerance policies effectively.
With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Cedarville, CA, offers a comprehensive look into an individual's substance use history. This extensive period allows employers to review past behavior rather than just recent activity, assisting in making more informed hiring or monitoring decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Cedarville, CA, is designed to be tamper-resistant. This method significantly diminishes the chance of sample adulteration, thus ensuring that the results are dependable and irrefutable. The sample collection process is closely monitored, further reducing the risk of manipulation or error.
With convenient testing locations throughout the nation and in Cedarville, CA, Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to services. This extensive network ensures that individuals and employers can conduct tests quickly and without inconvenience, thus promoting hassle-free testing experiences.
The process for hair follicle testing in Cedarville, CA, is simple and confidential. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results uphold privacy standards, easing user concerns. Confidentiality is prioritized ensuring that individuals feel secure about their personal information throughout the testing process.
In Cedarville, CA, the blend of affordable pricing and fast turnaround offered by hair follicle testing provides outstanding value. Competitive pricing and swift result delivery are tailored for companies of any size, enhancing peace of mind by delivering efficient, cost-sensitive testing solutions for all.
In Cedarville, CA, hair follicle testing is acclaimed for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. Offering high precision, these tests swiftly detect substance use, making them vital for timely and trustworthy analysis. The method's efficiency in timely result delivery gives individuals and employers confidence in their accuracy and reliability.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Cedarville, CA, grants employers peace of mind by ensuring alignment with drug-free workplace policies. Such testing options reduce legal risks and boost workplace safety, offering employers confidence in maintaining compliance and supporting a safe work environment.
