Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a vital method to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives the long-term usage of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, it can reveal up to an estimated 3-month history of alcohol and drug use. Hair samples are easy to gather, relatively scarce in terms of tampering, and straightforward to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and verification purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent volume of body hair might be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result includes four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves checking the sample's seal and correct shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handling any additional data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminarily rapid examination for drug abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly means to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive outcome must undergo Confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples preliminarily positive in Screening need further verification through Confirmation.
If the sample appears positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), positioning hair drug testing as the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process starting from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and meets ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being labeled "hair follicle tests", the examination evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In East Sonora, CA, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests. The precision of hair testing surpasses urine tests by providing more accurate substance detection, boosting reliability.
Employers and professionals prefer hair testing for its superior capacity to detect a broader timeframe of drug use. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are more difficult to manipulate, ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
Hair follicle testing in East Sonora, CA, grants a longer detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeframe allows employers to thoroughly assess an individual’s substance history.
Offering a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's drug use, hair tests are invaluable for making informed decisions based on substance use patterns that may not be evident in shorter-term tests.
In East Sonora, CA, hair follicle testing provides a tamper-resistant approach to drug testing. Its methodology greatly minimizes sample adulteration risks, making it nearly impossible to falsify results.
Reliable and credible, hair testing offers assurance that results are authentic, removing doubt and providing critical data for decision-making in various professional and legal contexts.
Conveniently located testing facilities in East Sonora, CA, and nationwide mean easy access to hair follicle testing. Our extensive network offers quick and hassle-free service across various locations.
Individuals and employers benefit from the simplicity of accessing comprehensive testing services, whether in East Sonora or any other city, enhancing their experience.
In East Sonora, CA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, ensuring ease and privacy. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is handled seamlessly.
Addressing privacy concerns, our process prioritizes client confidentiality while maintaining user-friendliness, making it accessible for individuals needing discreet testing solutions.
Hair follicle testing services in East Sonora, CA, are offered at competitive prices with swift turnaround times. This makes them an excellent value for companies regardless of size.
Affordable pricing combined with fast results delivery provides businesses the peace of mind they seek, ensuring their investment in drug testing is both practical and effective.
Hair follicle drug tests in East Sonora, CA, are renowned for their fast and accurate results. These tests provide high precision when identifying substance use, ensuring that results are reliable and delivered with speed.
The accuracy of hair drug tests ensures that employers and institutions can trust the findings, providing a clear picture of substance use history. The speed of obtaining results further adds to its appeal over other testing methods.
Employers in East Sonora, CA, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, knowing it aligns with drug-free workplace policies. This compliance prevents legal issues and improves workplace safety.
By using hair testing, organizations show commitment to a drug-free environment, mitigating risks and fostering a safer, more productive workplace.
