Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has increasingly become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a chronological record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period for alcohol and drugs of up to roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands, comparable to the width of a #2 pencil, nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For assessments involving EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be gathered. Reference to head hair implies scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into a laboratory’s system. This stage includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to negate drug use in most samples, a positive indication must be corroborated for legal admissibility. Any sample with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitates subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug screening being the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed as necessary before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA reveals significant advantages. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and consistency over urine-based methods. Employers and individuals benefit from the extended window of detection and the recognized reliability of hair analyses. Transitioning to hair follicle testing ensures a more thorough drug use history examination.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA, is a prominent feature for employers. This method detects drug use over a much more extended period, up to 90 days, giving employers a full perspective of an individual's substance history. Such comprehensive insights aid employers in making informed decisions promoting a safer and more productive workplace.
El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA sees the value in hair follicle tests, minimizing the risk of sample tampering. The method substantially reduces any possibility of adulteration, delivering results that are dependable and indisputable. This resistance to tampering offers assurance and peace of mind for employers and enforcement bodies that rely on the integrity of the results.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations across the nation, including in El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA. Nationwide coverage ensures that individuals and businesses have quick and hassle-free access to drug testing services. Our local presence affirms our commitment to delivering fast, reliable, and easily accessible testing solutions to meet various needs.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA is engineered for user-friendliness and privacy. From ordering the test to receiving results, we make privacy our priority, eliminating concerns while ensuring ease of use. This efficient process reassures both individuals and employers of their privacy without compromising on the thoroughness of results.
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround make hair follicle testing in El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA an attractive option for companies of all sizes. We provide affordable and quick solutions without compromising the quality of our services. Businesses benefit from our excellent value proposition, gaining assurance with efficient testing results delivered promptly.
In El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA, hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise outcomes. The accuracy of these tests in identifying substance use is unparalleled, providing employers and individuals with reliability they can trust. Comparing to other methods, hair follicle analyses confirm their high detection accuracy and speed, making them the preferred option for comprehensive drug screening.
Employers in El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), CA achieve compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle tests, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies. This method mitigates legal risks while bolstering workplace safety. Implementing hair testing certifies not only regulatory compliance but also enhances the overall security and productivity within the workplace environment.
