Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become a significant method for identifying usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands offer a substantial historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair fiber as it grows. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can present around a three-month detection timeframe for both alcohol and other substances. The collection process for hair, while straightforward, presents challenges in tampering and is simple to send.
Gathering a 1.5-inch specimen consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (representing the breadth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimum quantity for both testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those over 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is suggested. The use of a jeweler’s scale is recommended to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent measure of body hair can be taken. References to head hair imply only scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in analyzing a drug test at the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the sample's initial integration into a lab's system. It ensures that the sample is properly sealed and sent, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody procedure.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drug misuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly means to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be authenticated for court acceptability. All samples marked as presumptively positive in Screening need additional verification.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is drawn from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are derived from hair in lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug analysis the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirming any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as necessary. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair categorization and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle located beneath the scalp
Superiority of Hair Tests Over Urine Tests
In East Porterville, CA, hair follicle testing emerges as superior to urine tests due to its heightened accuracy and extended detection window. Where urine tests might miss sporadic drug use, hair testing captures a comprehensive history, offering employers a reliable resource. This method is less prone to circumvention, providing assured results without the common pitfalls of traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window Benefits
The value of hair follicle testing in East Porterville, CA stems from its prolonged detection capability, tracing drug usage up to 90 days. This window allows for a comprehensive analysis of an individual's substance history, aiding employers in making informed decisions beyond recent consumption patterns, thus ensuring a safer working environment.
Resistant to Sample Tampering
In East Porterville, CA, the integrity of hair follicle testing remains unmatched. This method significantly lessens the risk of sample tampering due to its collection and analysis processes. Employers benefiting from such reliable testing can trust the results, knowing they reflect true substance use without alterations or manipulations.
Accessible Nationwide and Local Testing
With a network of testing facilities in East Porterville, CA and beyond, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing ensures convenience with numerous centers nationwide, providing easy and swift access to essential testing services, reducing the time and effort needed for scheduling appointments.
Simplified, Confidential Testing Process
In East Porterville, CA, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease. Our procedure alleviates concerns about data privacy and ensures a seamless experience for those involved in testing.
Competitive Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Accredited Drug Testing, in East Porterville, CA, offers hair follicle testing at competitive price points with quick turnaround times. Our cost-effective packages ensure excellent value for businesses of all sizes, allowing employers to get reliable and rapid results without exceeding their budgets.
Fast and Precise Testing in East Porterville, CA
Hair follicle drug tests ensure rapid and accurate analysis. With a precise detection mechanism, these tests reliably report drug usage, eliminating doubts about substance use. Their efficiency provides peace of mind to both employers and individuals alike, with results typically available promptly after the collection process.
Ensuring Compliance and Security
Employers in East Porterville, CA find peace in using hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free policies. This testing reduces legal risks and fosters a safer workplace environment. By adopting this method, companies ensure compliance and protect themselves from potential liabilities associated with drug use in professional settings.
