Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Fortuna, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations are now acknowledged as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair allows for an extended record of alcohol and drug presence by retaining biomarkers in the strands of the growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month period of detection for alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A portion of 1.5 inches from approximately 200 hair strands (roughly #2 pencil thickness) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for examination and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jewel scale. If head hair is absent, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Overview of the Procedure

The procedure in the lab for processing a drug test result consists of four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the preliminary step that integrates a sample into a lab's records. It confirms the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information not entered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs. While it is a budget-friendly approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. All samples that are likely positive in Screening indeed need further confirmation.

If a sample shows a probable positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than in other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing among the most intricate methods to execute.

Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards of ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Benefits of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug consumption for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which cover a shorter time span.
• Challenging to deceive: It is notably challenging to falsify a hair drug test, thus making the findings more reliable.
• Displays historical usage: It showcases a pattern of drug use over a duration, not merely recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of identifying recent use: Drugs take around 5-7 days to be detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other testing methods.
• Potential result fluctuations: Elements like hair color and personal hair growth differences can influence the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the testing itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the skin.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fortuna, CA

Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in Fortuna shines in terms of detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a robust record over time, catching drug use that urine tests may miss. This detection method offers a clear edge over traditional tests, rendering more consistent and verifiable results.

• Broader detection periods.
• Reduced chances of false results.
• More comprehensive substance use representation.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Fortuna, CA

Employers in Fortuna gain from hair follicle tests as they offer an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This method provides a detailed view of an individual's substance history, surpassing the limited timeline of other tests. It's an invaluable tool for thorough background evaluations.

• Detection period up to 90 days.
• Comprehensive view of substance history.
• Ideal for in-depth evaluations.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fortuna, CA

Hair follicle testing in Fortuna significantly curtails the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, the integrity of hair samples remains intact, offering unquestionable reliability in results. This method is invaluable for obtaining trustworthy outcomes that stand up to scrutiny.

• Minimized risk of sample tampering.
• Unquestionable reliability.
• Trustworthy, accurate outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fortuna, CA

Accredited Drug Testing guarantees easy access to testing services with its nationwide and local presence in Fortuna, CA. Our centers streamline the path to quick and hassle-free tests, ensuring employees and employers have effortless access to testing centers when necessary.

• Easy access to testing services.
• Local and nationwide centers.
• Streamlined testing process.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Fortuna, CA

In Fortuna, hair follicle testing offers a straightforward and confidential process. From ordering to obtaining results, every step emphasizes privacy and simplicity. Clients can expect seamless operations respecting their confidentiality at every stage of the testing process.

• Straightforward procedure.
• Emphasis on confidentiality.
• Seamless and user-friendly experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fortuna, CA

Our testing services in Fortuna come with competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Accredited Drug Testing offers excellent value, ensuring companies of all sizes benefit from top-tier service quality without inflated costs. Fast results and affordable rates cater to varied business needs.

• Competitive pricing structures.
• Quick and efficient turnaround.
• Excellent value at competitive rates.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fortuna, CA

Experience the precision of hair follicle drug tests in Fortuna, offering swift and exact results. Hair tests excel at identifying substances, ensuring you receive high-accuracy outcomes. This method offers a robust solution for precise screening and timely feedback, surpassing other testing modalities.

• High accuracy in substance detection.
• Quick and reliable outcomes.
• Efficient solution for timely drug screening.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fortuna, CA

Hair follicle testing in Fortuna enables businesses to adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposure and boosting safety. This method supports compliance initiatives, securing employer peace of mind and reinforcing a trustworthy work environment for all.

• Ensures adherence to policies.
• Reduces potential legal issues.
• Enhances workplace safety.

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