Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within their fibers. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reflect up to a 3-month period of alcohol and drug use. It is easy to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, at least 150mg of hair is advisable. The sample should be weighed on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in laboratory drug test evaluation include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab’s database. This process ensures the sample's proper sealing and dispatch, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not managed by an electronic custody framework.
Screening is a swift preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. Though economical, a Screening result needs confirmation to hold legal admissibility. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation phase.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, further hair is extracted from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples marked as presumptively positive undergo washing as required before Confirmation. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests in Green Valley Lake, CA, the former boasts improved detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests detect recent drug use, hair testing excels with extended detection, capturing a wider timeframe. This thorough assessment makes hair tests particularly valuable, offering a more detailed account of substance use for employers and individuals alike.
Hair follicle testing in Green Valley Lake, CA provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This feature grants employers a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance history, allowing better-informed hiring decisions. Compared to shorter-term tests, hair analysis offers a more complete picture, enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
In Green Valley Lake, CA, hair follicle tests greatly reduce the risk of sample tampering. This method's robust nature ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable. Unlike other testing types, the hair test offers a secure, adulteration-resistant procedure, safeguarding the integrity of the drug testing process.
Hair follicle testing is made easy with our nationwide network of centers, including locations in Green Valley Lake, CA. Our extensive reach ensures that testing is both quick and hassle-free. Whether locally or across the country, our centers are conveniently accessible, offering flexibility to meet diverse testing needs.
In Green Valley Lake, CA, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and discreet. Simple ordering, taking, and receiving of results address privacy concerns effectively. The process is designed to ensure ease of use for all parties involved, maintaining confidence in the confidentiality of their testing affairs.
Known for its affordable pricing and rapid results, hair follicle testing in Green Valley Lake, CA offers great value. Companies, regardless of size, appreciate the competitive rates and fast turnaround, enhancing decision-making while ensuring peace of mind through timely and cost-effective testing solutions.
In Green Valley Lake, CA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast and precise results. These tests are renowned for their accuracy in identifying substance use, offering a dependable picture for employers. Utilizing advanced technology, results from hair follicle tests ensure reliability and reduce the time spent waiting, which is crucial in making timely decisions regarding employment.
Employers in Green Valley Lake, CA benefit from using hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and streamlines safety initiatives. Peace of mind comes from knowing that employees meet policy standards, creating a more secure and compliant work environment.