Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, providing a historical record of substance exposure. A sample cut near the scalp can offer a detection timeline for substances, including alcohol, stretching up to roughly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, roughly 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp, yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for initial testing and validation. If conducting EtG, supplementary tests, or panels beyond 10, it's advisable to collect 150mg of hair. We advise using a jewelry scale for precise sample weighing. When scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair can be taken. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in processing drug test results at the laboratory: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the introductory phase of integrating a sample into the laboratory system. This step entails verifying correct sample sealing and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any essential data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as the preliminary assessment for substance detection. While Screening offers an economical method of excluding drug use for most samples, a confirmed result is required for legal use. A secondary confirmation is mandatory for any sample yielding a preliminary positive result in Screening.
Upon obtaining a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. Here, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing exceptionally challenging to conduct.
The Confirmation phase for any positive Screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Prior to confirmation, samples with presumptive positive results undergo cleansing as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning through Confirmation is subject to scrutiny under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," these assessments evaluate the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dunsmuir, CA
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing exhibits superior detection accuracy and reliability. It not only offers a longer detection window but also minimizes the chances of tampering. This makes it an ideal choice for employers in Dunsmuir who wish to maintain a secure and drug-free work environment.
Extended Detection Window in Dunsmuir, CA
Hair follicle drug testing excels in providing insight into an individual's substance use history over a significant period. Covering up to 90 days, this method goes beyond the capabilities of short-term tests, offering a comprehensive overview of an employee or applicant's substance behavior, crucial for informed decision-making by employers.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dunsmuir, CA
The robust nature of hair follicle testing greatly limits the risk of sample adulteration. The meticulous collection and analysis process ensure results are both trustworthy and consistent. Dunsmuir employers benefit from this reliable testing method, promoting trust and integrity in their drug screening processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dunsmuir, CA
With testing centers located nationwide, including local access in Dunsmuir, CA, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience. The ease of accessing these services ensures that individuals and employers can undertake testing swiftly, without the hassle, at locations that are convenient for them.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dunsmuir, CA
The process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy from order to result. Our services in Dunsmuir prioritize user convenience and the protection of personal data, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have. This ensures a stress-free experience in obtaining accurate testing results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dunsmuir, CA
Our competitive pricing structure and quick turnaround times are designed to offer excellent value. Whether for large firms or small businesses, our affordable testing solutions in Dunsmuir ensure companies can maintain peace of mind without straining their budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dunsmuir, CA
Hair follicle drug testing provides a precise and swift method of screening, enhancing the reliability of detecting substance use. The accuracy of the tests ensures that employers and professionals can have full confidence in the results. With rapid processing times, this method is both efficient and trustworthy for ensuring a substance-free workplace.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dunsmuir, CA
Employing hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and enhancing safety. By choosing this method, Dunsmuir employers can confidently uphold their zero-tolerance policies, ensuring a secure and productive working environment.
