Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended chronology of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can provide up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, altering its integrity is challenging, and it is easily shippable.
Gathering a 1.5-inch sample, approximately 200 strands or akin to a #2 pencil's size, from the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For testing such as EtG or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. Mentioning head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in processing a drug test outcome in the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is incorporated into the lab’s system. This step includes checking that the sample is appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift preliminary examination for substance abuse. Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in the majority of samples; however, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening need subsequent confirmation.
For samples that indicate positivity in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which underscores the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screens is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as warranted. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and accreditation aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as “hair follicle testsâ€, the procedure actually assesses the hair strand as opposed to the follicle beneath the scalp
Within Corte Madera, CA, the superiority of hair follicle testing becomes evident when contrasted with traditional urine testing. Hair testing not only demonstrates enhanced detection accuracy but also boosts reliability. This method provides a secure and trustworthy means to examine drug use.
Employers and authorities in Corte Madera find a greater measure of certainty with these tests, putting trust in their extended temporal reach and precise results, ensuring better compliance with zero-tolerance policies compared to urine tests that fall short in these aspects.
Hair follicle testing, as practiced in Corte Madera, CA, offers a unique advantage through its extensive detection window. With the ability to trace drug use for up to 90 days, this method gives a thorough picture of an individual's substance history.
This wide-ranging detection period is particularly beneficial to employers looking for insight into an applicant or employee's drug use history. By providing such a historical view, hair follicle tests present not just a snapshot but a complete timeline of substance use.
In Corte Madera, CA, the robustness and dependability of hair follicle testing come from its tamper-resistant nature. Compared to other drug test forms, hair testing drastically reduces the likelihood of sample interference.
The confidence provided by these resistant traits ensures that tests reflect true substance use, undistorted by external factors. This reliability is key to the test's integrity, giving peace of mind to those who depend on its results.
With convenient testing locations nationwide and in Corte Madera, CA, Accredited Drug Testing makes the process easy and accessible. This wide reach ensures that testing services are hassle-free and promptly available.
No matter where you are, having access to certified testing centers means that the process is seamless. The convenience offered ensures that the logistical aspect of drug testing is considered, making it effortless for those who need it.
In Corte Madera, CA, we offer a simple, confidential process for hair follicle testing—handling everything from order to results discreetly and efficiently.
Confidentiality is key for those needing testing without added stress or privacy concerns. This user-friendly method is designed for utmost privacy and ease, ensuring users feel secure throughout their testing journey.
Accredited Drug Testing offers affordable pricing and quick turnaround in Corte Madera, CA, emphasizing exceptional value for companies of all sizes through competitive pricing structures.
Our services highlight cost-effectiveness and efficiency, relieving cost-related pressures while ensuring that you receive results promptly. This balance of cost and time makes us an optimal choice for businesses requiring reliable drug testing solutions.
In Corte Madera, CA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. Compared to other methods, they offer high precision in determining substance use. The quick turnaround in detection provides essential insights, crucial for employers and individuals alike, ensuring confidence in the results obtained.
Hair follicle tests ensure that results obtained are trustworthy and timely. For those in Corte Madera, this means more than just data points; it's a testament to the confidence and peace of mind these tests offer by accurately displaying consumption patterns, making them an indispensable tool in drug testing.
In Corte Madera, CA, hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind to employers. It assures adherence to drug-free policies while mitigating legal risks and enhancing workplace safety.
The confidence offered by these tests is crucial for employers striving to maintain a safe environment. By reducing uncertainties linked to drug use, companies can more effectively uphold their policies, thus promoting overall safety and compliance.
