Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Cypress, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures extended-term indicators of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the evolving hair strand fibers. If collected close to the scalp, hair samples can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is uncomplicated, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, an ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen accurately. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When head hair is mentioned, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This procedure includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse indicators. While Screening is a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be authenticated for it to hold validity in court. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation.

For samples with a presumptive positive in Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging method to execute.

Confirmation of any positive screening finding is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes reviews under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a narrower detection window.
• Challenging to manipulate: Manipulating a hair drug test is very difficult, leading to more reliable results.
• Offers historical insight: It provides data on drug use patterns over time, rather than only recent activity.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: It requires about 5-7 days before drugs become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests generally incur higher costs compared to alternate drug testing techniques.
• Variability in outcomes: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth may influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, yet the actual test examines the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

The superior detection accuracy of hair follicle tests in Cypress, CA outshines traditional urine tests.
Advantages include:

• A more extended detection window.
• Not easily tampered with.
• Accurate reflection of long-term use.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Cypress, CA benefit from hair follicle testing's prolonged detection period, capturing drug use up to 90 days.
Key points:

• Offers a comprehensive view of substance history.
• Great for understanding long-term behavior.
• More informative than short-term tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Cypress, CA relies on the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests for credible results.
Features include:

• Reduced sample adulteration chances.
• Ensures sample integrity.
• Highly trustworthy outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient testing locations in Cypress, CA with nationwide accessibility streamline the testing process.
Attributes include:

• Easy access for individuals and businesses.
• Numerous local and nationwide centers.
• Reduces travel and time constraints.

Simple, Confidential Process

Cypress, CA offers a straightforward, confidential process for hair follicle testing.
Process highlights:

• Simple ordering procedure.
• Discrete sample collection.
• Confidential result delivery.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Hair follicle testing in Cypress, CA combines affordable pricing with fast turnaround times.
Key benefits:

• Competitive pricing scales for all company sizes.
• Quick results delivery.
• Exceptional value with cost-effective solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Cypress, CA, hair follicle drug tests provide swift and reliable outcomes. This method excels in accurately identifying substance use with efficiency.
Benefits include:

• Rapid analysis without compromising accuracy.
• High precision in detection, ensuring correctness.
• Consistency in results enhances reliability.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employing hair follicle testing in Cypress, CA strengthens drug-free policies, offering employers peace of mind.
Main benefits:

• Ensures adherence to safety regulations.
• Diminishes legal risks.
• Encourages a secure work environment.

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