Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an efficient method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a prolonged timeline for observing substance use because hair fibers store biomarkers. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can indicate drug and alcohol use within a roughly 3-month detection range. Hair collection is easy, somewhat tamper-proof, and convenient for shipping.
A sample size of 1.5 inches made up of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp equals 100mg of hair, suitable for initial screening and detailed confirmation. For tests exceeding 10 panels, EtG inclusions, and/or additional analyses, 150mg is advisable. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" exclusively denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The four fundamental stages in laboratory evaluation of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of integrating a sample into a lab’s protocol. This step confirms the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and enters any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is initially conducted to swiftly detect possible drug abuse. Although screening economically rules out drug use for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples testing positively during screening need a secondary validation.
If Screening designates a sample as presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Drug levels are extracted from hair matrices at lesser concentrations compared to other modalities (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging process.
The confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples awaiting confirmation and marked as presumptive positives undergo necessary washing before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing surpass urine tests? In Fort Jones, CA, this method offers superior benefits. Accuracy and reliability are key. The detection window is broader, spotting drug use up to 90 days back, unlike urine tests, which are more limited.
Hair tests detect long-term use patterns, providing a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history. In contrast, urine tests often miss this due to their shorter detection span, making hair tests a more potent tool.
Fort Jones, CA employers benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle testing. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this method offers a far-reaching overview of applicant and employee substance habits.
This extended window gives a clearer picture of long-term patterns, invaluable to employers seeking a comprehensive assessment of potential or current employees' substance use history.
In Fort Jones, CA, the hair follicle test is a preferred method due to its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other methods, its collection process substantially reduces the potential for sample tampering or adulteration.
This integrity ensures results remain unquestionable, offering peace of mind to employers and tested individuals alike by significantly mitigating risks associated with specimen manipulation.
Accessibility is key in Fort Jones, CA, with convenient nationwide testing locations. This extensive network ensures that hair follicle testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free for all.
Our local presence means minimal travel time, and our streamlined procedures make testing simple, thereby accommodating the needs of individuals and businesses seeking reliable testing solutions.
In Fort Jones, CA, Accredited Drug Testing makes hair follicle testing a straightforward and confidential process. Ordering, undertaking, and receiving results are designed to prioritize your privacy and user's ease.
The process is crafted for simplicity, ensuring all steps are clear and respectful of individual confidentiality, making it a seamless experience from start to finish for all involved.
For businesses of all sizes in Fort Jones, CA, affordable pricing and fast turnaround are crucial. Our competitive pricing structure combined with swift processing times provides comprehensive value.
This affordability doesn't compromise quality, ensuring companies receive reliable results expediently without burdening budgets, thus securing satisfaction and peace of mind.
In Fort Jones, CA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and accuracy. This method provides quick results while ensuring high accuracy in detecting substance use over an extended period.
Employers and individuals seeking fast and precise testing find hair follicle analysis particularly reliable. The rapid turnaround time ensures that decisions can be made without unnecessary delays, making it an ideal choice for those who need dependable results quickly.
Employers in Fort Jones, CA, can count on hair follicle testing for compliance and peace of mind. This method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and boosting safety.
By choosing hair testing, companies ensure they adhere to compliance standards, reducing exposure to potential liabilities while maintaining a safe and productive work environment.