Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by preserving biomarkers within the fibers as the strand grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only, whereas body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps of lab-based drug testing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial sample processing into a lab's records. This step ensures the sample was well-sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters any data not fully captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary assessment for drug use. Although Screening is economical for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive result must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair from the original collection is prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair testing a highly complex procedure.
Confirming a positive screen involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the whole lab process is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the examination analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Clayton, CA, hair follicle tests stand out with superior detection capabilities compared to urine tests. Their reliability in identifying drug usage across a broad timeline offers an unmatched advantage. The enhanced accuracy and dependability in hair testing make it a preferred tool for employers enforcing strict drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window
The hair follicle testing method in Clayton, CA, boasts an impressive detection window of up to 90 days. This extensive timeline grants employers a comprehensive view of a candidate's or employee's drug history, allowing for more informed decision-making and a deeper understanding of one's substance use trends.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Clayton, CA, hair follicle tests significantly lower the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring credible results. This method's resilient nature against adulteration provides trust and reliability, making it a robust option for both employers and individuals seeking truthful substance use assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
With hair follicle testing easily accessible at numerous nationwide centers, including local facilities in Clayton, CA, obtaining tests is swift and convenient. This widespread availability simplifies the process for individuals seeking efficient and hassle-free access to testing services without delays.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Clayton, CA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respects confidentiality. Ordering and undergoing tests, as well as receiving results, is seamless, addressing privacy concerns and easing any unease about the procedure while ensuring results are handled discreetly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Cost-effective pricing structures paired with quick turnaround times make hair follicle tests in Clayton, CA, an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes. This combination ensures excellent value, allowing companies to obtain quick and reliable results without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Clayton, CA, hair follicle drug tests deliver swift, precise, and dependable results. They offer a high degree of accuracy in detecting substance use compared to traditional methods. Rapid testing procedures ensure that individuals and organizations receive timely yet thorough assessments, making it an ideal choice for accurate substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Clayton, CA, gain confidence from hair follicle testing's compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Utilizing this method mitigates legal risks, fosters a safer work environment, and reinforces a stringent stance against workplace substance abuse, assuaging any employer's concerns about compliance.
