Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair's structure as it grows. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can offer a detection timeframe of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For tests involving EtG, additional assessments, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weight of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is insufficient, a corresponding quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test samples primarily involves four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within the laboratory’s infrastructure. This process includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening phase performs an initial rapid analysis for controlled substances. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be legally valid. Samples that test positive initially require an independent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This step involves the isolation of drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair testing is the most challenging technique to administer.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is achieved through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples yielding presumptive positives undergo washing before Confirmation if necessary. The end-to-end laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in East Shasta, CA due to its extended window of detection. This comprehensive approach not only captures a broader history of drug use but also provides more reliable results.
East Shasta, CA, stands behind hair follicle tests for their superior detection accuracy, making them the preferred choice over traditional urine testing methods.
In East Shasta, CA, hair follicle testing is celebrated for its impressive detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This extensive timeframe offers employers a thorough perspective on substance use history.
Providing insights that surpass other methods, hair testing in East Shasta, CA, gives employers the assurance of examining drug use over months, not days.
The reliability of hair follicle tests in East Shasta, CA is unmatched due to their tamper-resistant nature. This method ensures that the results remain intact and authentic.
Avoiding common pitfalls associated with other drug testing methods, hair tests in East Shasta, CA offer security and veracity, eliminating concerns over sample manipulation.
In East Shasta, CA, the convenience of our extensive network of testing centers cannot be overstated. With facilities nationwide, obtaining a hair follicle test is simple and efficient.
Our local centers in East Shasta, CA, prioritize easy access to testing services, ensuring a hassle-free experience for everyone involved.
The simplicity and confidentiality of our hair follicle testing process in East Shasta, CA, ensure a seamless experience from ordering to receiving results. This method maintains privacy and ease of operation.
With the promise of confidentiality, our services in East Shasta, CA, cater to those seeking an uncomplicated and discreet drug testing solution.
In East Shasta, CA, our hair follicle tests are competitively priced, offering fast turnaround times for businesses large and small. This combination ensures value and reliability for all clients.
Companies in East Shasta, CA can benefit from our affordable and prompt testing services, ensuring accurate results without unnecessary delays.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests set them apart in East Shasta, CA. While traditional methods take time, hair tests ensure rapid, accurate outcomes, capturing substance use with high exactness.
Choosing hair follicle testing guarantees swift results without compromising quality. In East Shasta, CA, this method emerges as a leader for its ability to reliably confirm drug use.
For employers in East Shasta, CA, peace of mind is achieved through hair follicle testing, which aligns with stringent drug-free workplace policies. This practice mitigates legal risks and promotes a safer workplace environment.
Implementing hair follicle testing in East Shasta, CA, enhances compliance for businesses eager to maintain integrity and safety in their operations.
