Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Coalinga, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective resource for identifying alcohol and drug usage. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by securing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. Collected near the scalp, hair may offer an estimated 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample, comprising roughly 200 strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For testing EtG, additional substances, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accurate measurement. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary stages in the lab's handling of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into a lab's system. This process checks that the sample is properly sealed and dispatched, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs a preliminary quick assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for court validity. Presumptive positive samples in Screening need secondary confirmation.

If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction prep. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is particularly challenging to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify substance use up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a shorter detection span.
• Difficult to manipulate: It's extremely hard to falsify a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Shows historical usage: It can highlight a pattern of drug use over time, not just recent activity.

Limitations:

• Unable to identify recent use: It takes around 5-7 days for substances to become evident in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than other testing options.
• Result variations: Elements like hair color and individual growth differences can influence the concentration of drug metabolites.

Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Coalinga, CA, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering a greater detection timeline and superior accuracy. While urine tests detect recent substance use, hair tests provide a more comprehensive overview, identifying drug use over several months. Employers benefit from this longer window, ensuring a clearer understanding of an employee's substance use history, enhancing workplace safety and compliance.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Coalinga, CA, favor hair follicle testing for its ability to detect drug use over an extensive period, often up to 90 days. This method offers a broader understanding of an individual's substance usage, proving beneficial for pre-employment screenings and periodic assessments. The extended detection window allows employers to maintain a drug-free workplace, reducing risks associated with short-term tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Coalinga, CA, significantly curtails the chances of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. Compared to other testing techniques, hair tests are less susceptible to adulteration attempts. This integrity in testing provides employers with peace of mind, knowing their workforce assessments are both accurate and tamper-resistant, thereby safeguarding their workplace environment.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering convenient testing locations in Coalinga, CA, and across the nation, Accredited Drug Testing ensures hassle-free access for all clients. This extensive network of centers facilitates prompt and efficient testing services, catering to both local and nationwide needs. The accessibility of testing sites simplifies the process for employers and individuals alike, ensuring timely and effective drug testing solutions.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process for conducting hair follicle tests in Coalinga, CA, is both simple and confidential. Ordering and undergoing the test, as well as receiving results, is designed to protect privacy while remaining user-friendly. Accredited Drug Testing assures clients their information will be handled discreetly, addressing any concerns about privacy while streamlining the entire testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Coalinga, CA, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing paired with fast result turnaround, providing exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. These cost-effective solutions ensure companies receive accurate and timely drug testing information, fostering a safer workplace. The balance of affordability and swift service sets a high standard in drug testing, benefiting employers and employees alike.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests in Coalinga, CA, stand out due to their remarkable speed and accuracy. Unlike other testing methods, hair analysis affords a high degree of precision, ensuring quick and dependable results. This enables companies to enforce their drug policies efficiently, minimizing errors and ensuring staff safety. The swiftness of results is crucial for timely decision-making in a competitive business environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Implementing hair follicle testing in Coalinga, CA, aids in upholding strict drug-free workplace policies, ensuring regulatory compliance and tranquility for employers. Utilizing this test method mitigates legal risks associated with workplace incidents due to drug use, boosting overall safety. Employers can rest assured that their testing protocols support a secure and productive work environment.

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