Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol use. The hair stores a comprehensive historical record of substance use by incorporating biomarkers into the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, with a low risk of tampering and easy shipment.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to a #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale for measurement is suggested. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with registering the sample into the laboratory’s system. It ensures the sample was secured and transported correctly, a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is assigned, and any missing information is completed outside the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary and rapid check for the presence of drugs. Although Screening offers a cost-effective method for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screening result requires further confirmation for it to be legally permissible. All samples showing preliminary positive results during Screening undergo secondary confirmation.
If the Screening phase yields a presumptive positive, additional hair from the original sample undergoes preparation for Extraction. This phase extracts drugs from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Any positive results from Screening undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples receive a wash prior to Confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and is accredited under ISO / IEC 17025 regulations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing greatly surpasses urine testing in East Hemet, CA, due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, which only detect recent substance use, hair tests provide a much longer detection window. This allows employers to have a more accurate and comprehensive view of an individual's drug use history. Hair tests are less invasive and more convenient, making them a preferred choice for both companies and individuals.
Hair follicle testing is valued in East Hemet, CA for its impressive detection window, capable of revealing drug use over a period extending up to 90 days. This lengthy detection period offers a more complete picture of an individual's substance use compared to other testing methods. Employers can leverage this comprehensive view to better assess a potential or current employee's fitness for work, leading to more informed hiring and management decisions.
Hair follicle testing in East Hemet, CA offers a robust defense against sample tampering, reducing the chances of adulterated results. The nature of hair collection makes it extremely challenging to alter the sample, thus ensuring that the results are authentic and trustworthy. This advantage sets it apart from other testing methods, where sample manipulation can often go undetected, guaranteeing the integrity of the findings.
In East Hemet, CA, the widespread availability of testing centers ensures that individuals and employers have easy access to hair follicle testing services. With numerous nationwide locations, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the process, offering convenient service that is both hassle-free and efficient. The local presence in East Hemet further guarantees that residents don't have to travel far to undergo testing.
Accredited Drug Testing in East Hemet, CA ensures a straightforward and private hair-testing process. Ordering, taking, and receiving test results are streamlined for user convenience. Client confidentiality is paramount, addressing any potential concerns over privacy. This user-friendly approach guarantees that those needing tests find the experience comfortable and respectful of their personal circumstances.
Offering competitive pricing alongside fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in East Hemet, CA is an affordable option for businesses. Cost-effective solutions combined with the quick delivery of results provide excellent value, particularly for companies that are budget-conscious yet committed to a drug-free environment. Rapid responses enable timely decision-making, enhancing overall workplace efficiency.
In East Hemet, CA, hair follicle testing delivers swift, precise, and dependable results. The method's accuracy in identifying substance use is unmatched, offering a reliable measure of drug intake. Results from hair tests are available relatively quickly, ensuring that employers and other stakeholders receive the information they need to make informed decisions promptly. This speed and reliability make hair testing a valuable tool for maintaining workplace safety.
Employers in East Hemet, CA can find peace of mind and legal safety by opting for hair follicle testing. It helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace programs and reduces legal risk. A consistent testing approach boosts workplace safety and productivity by offering reliable evidence of substance use, protecting the company from possible liabilities related to drug abuse. Hair testing offers assurance of adherence to organizational norms.
