Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive history of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can deliver up to an approximate 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry beyond what an electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening do necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually analyze the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Emigrant Gap, CA
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle assessments offer superior accuracy and reliability. They provide a longer detection period and are virtually impossible to tamper with. Emigrant Gap, CA now sees more organizations and professionals opting for hair tests to gain comprehensive insights, dismissing the limitations presented by urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Emigrant Gap, CA
Hair follicle testing provides a long detection span, tracing drug usage up to 90 days back. This broader window allows employers in Emigrant Gap, CA to gain a more detailed understanding of an individual's substance usage history, proving critical in maintaining robust hiring policies and ongoing evaluations for workplace safety.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Emigrant Gap, CA
Hair follicle tests offer a defense against sample tampering, ensuring the authenticity of results. This method mitigates the risk of adulterated samples, giving employers and officials in Emigrant Gap, CA a reliable way to secure accurate data, fostering trust in the testing process and the results obtained.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Emigrant Gap, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures quick and convenient access to services. Emigrant Gap, CA benefits from local testing sites, offering straightforward and efficient testing experiences. Our centers facilitate easy access to hair follicle tests, enhancing service access and user satisfaction.
Simple, Confidential Process in Emigrant Gap, CA
The process of arranging, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains privacy. Emigrant Gap, CA individuals feel secure, as protocols protect their confidentiality while delivering an easy, user-friendly experience throughout the testing procedure.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Emigrant Gap, CA
We are committed to offering competitive pricing and swift result delivery. Businesses across Emigrant Gap, CA find excellent value in our cost-effective approach, which blends affordability with rapid processing, ensuring timely access to crucial drug testing information.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Emigrant Gap, CA
Hair follicle drug tests present a combination of speed and accuracy, ensuring precise detection of substance use. This testing method stands out in terms of its efficiency, consistently delivering reliable results that professionals in Emigrant Gap, CA trust. The high degree of accuracy in detecting substance traces makes it an invaluable tool for those seeking trustworthy information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Emigrant Gap, CA
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing benefit from assured compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Such regulations reduce potential legal challenges while enhancing workplace safety. Emigrant Gap, CA businesses achieve peace of mind, knowing their environment meets regulatory standards through this testing methodology.
