Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The structure of hair captures biomarkers related to alcohol and drugs in the fibers as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month timeframe to track alcohol and drug usage. It’s easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair, comparable to a #2 pencil’s thickness, near the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG evaluations, additional tests, or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s best to weigh this using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, equivalent body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair covers all other forms (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing for drug testing is comprised of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample is first processed into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample’s seal and shipment were intact, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any supplementary information not covered by an electronic chain of custody system is inputted.
Screening provides an initial fast assessment for drug presence. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use for most samples, any positive findings in Screening must be verified for court admissibility. Samples that initially test positive require another confirmation.
If a sample returns a positive result at the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva testing), rendering hair drug analysis one of the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any initial positive result is accomplished through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positives undergo washing as required. The whole lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and maintains ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Creston, CA
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests, primarily due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests which provide a limited detection window, hair analysis can identify substance use over several months. This makes it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities who need a comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Creston, CA
Hair follicle testing offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This enables employers to have a clear, historical perspective on an applicant or employee's substance use, beyond the capabilities of other testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Creston, CA
One of the compelling advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. It significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, thus providing organizations and individuals with results that are not only reliable but also beyond question.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Creston, CA
Accredited Drug Testing makes access to testing services straightforward and stress-free with its widespread network of centers nationwide. Whether in Creston or elsewhere, clients benefit from quick, effortless testing processes designed to fit their needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Creston, CA
The process for ordering, administering, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. This addresses privacy concerns effectively, ensuring a stress-free experience for individuals and organizations alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Creston, CA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures complemented by swift turnaround times. This combination provides excellent value and enhances peace of mind for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that receiving results is both quick and cost-effective.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Creston, CA
The hair follicle drug testing method is renowned for its precision and rapid results. Its high accuracy in detecting substance use makes it an invaluable tool for employers, ensuring that employees adhere to policies against drug use. The speed and reliability of hair analysis empower organizations with quick, informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Creston, CA
Employing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby minimizing legal liabilities while enhancing workplace safety. Such robust compliance measures bring peace of mind to employers and foster a safer, more productive environment.
