Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Elk Grove, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective instrument in identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair holds a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeline extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient for shipment.

A 1.5-inch length consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is prescribed. Evaluating the specimen using a jeweler’s scale is advisable. Should scalp hair be absent, a similar quantity of body hair may be acquired. “Head hair” strictly refers to “scalp hair,” while “body hair” includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for processing drug test outcomes consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial introduction of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step encompasses verifying the sample's seal and proper shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.

Screening entails an introductory rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to discount drug use in the majority of samples, a positive result in this stage requires confirmation to be deemed valid in legal contexts. Presumptive positive samples during Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

Should a sample be identified as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than found in other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology to execute.

Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumptively positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a shorter detection duration.
• Difficulty to manipulate: Hair drug tests resist tampering, ensuring greater accuracy of results.
• Offers historical insight: It illustrates a pattern of substance use over a timeline, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth variations can influence the concentration of drug metabolites in hair.

Note: While often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing trumps urine testing in Elk Grove, CA due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike standard urine tests, hair testing can detect drug use over a prolonged period, offering a clear advantage.

Employers benefit from the comprehensive overview provided by hair testing, ensuring that no recent drug usage goes unnoticed, unlike the limited detection scope of urine tests.

Extended Detection Window

One substantial benefit of hair follicle testing in Elk Grove, CA is the extended detection window. Drugs can be traced in hair for up to 90 days, a significant improvement over other methods.

This prolonged detection period grants employers a broad view of an employee's history, aiding in informed decision-making regarding substance use.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Using hair follicle tests in Elk Grove, CA drastically reduces the potential for tampering with samples. Unlike with other methods, it offers results that are difficult to question or alter.

These tests' reliability comes from their resistance to common adulteration tactics, making them a trustworthy option for detecting drug use.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our services in Elk Grove, CA extend nationally, making drug testing accessible and convenient. With various testing centers across the country, accessing testing services is simplified.

This wide availability ensures that clients experience a seamless process, reducing effort and enabling quick testing access in Elk Grove and beyond.

Simple, Confidential Process

Engaging in hair follicle testing in Elk Grove, CA is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy for all individuals tested. The process is designed for simplicity and ease.

From ordering a test to receiving results, each step respects client confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns and providing peace of mind.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

We offer competitive pricing for hair follicle testing in Elk Grove, CA, paired with fast turnaround times. This ensures companies receive excellent value for their testing needs.

Our pricing structure caters to businesses of all sizes, ensuring top-notch drug testing services are accessible without breaking the bank.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Elk Grove, CA, hair follicle drug testing provides quick, precise, and dependable results. The method stands out due to its exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use, making it a preferred choice.

The hair follicle test's reliability stems from advanced detection capabilities, ensuring even subtle traces of drugs are identified swiftly. This assures clients get precise results quickly in Elk Grove.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Adopting hair follicle testing in Elk Grove, CA provides employers with peace of mind and enhances compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and promotes safety at work.

Using this method ensures that companies maintain adherence to their commitment to a drug-free environment, fostering a safer, more productive workplace.

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