Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair preserves a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair can be obtained. Referring to head hair implies only the hair on the scalp, while body hair indicates all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result primarily involves the steps of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in legal settings. Any samples that are preliminarily positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair follicle testing over more traditional urine tests are clear. In Grimes, CA, hair testing offers superior detection capabilities, capturing long-term drug use history. This can help employers confidently maintain a drug-free environment without relying solely on more common urine tests.
The extended detection window of hair testing both showcases and preserves its reliability and accuracy, capturing substance use up to 90 days prior and making it a critical component in comprehensive drug-testing policies.
In Grimes, CA, the appeal of hair follicle testing is partly due to its extended detection window, which can cover up to 90 days of drug use history. This longer overview provides a clearer picture of an individual’s substance use patterns, aiding employers in making informed hiring and employment decisions.
The in-depth insight offered by hair testing is instrumental for employers needing to ensure a consistent drug-free workplace.»
Hair follicle testing in Grimes, CA, is known for its tamper-resistant nature. The collected hair samples are difficult to adulterate, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and accurate, thus preserving the integrity of the testing process.
This testing method significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, offering peace of mind to employers and legal entities who rely on reliable drug testing results.
Accredited Drug Testing facilitates convenient access to hair follicle testing with extensive national and local locations, including in Grimes, CA. This comprehensive network ensures that testing support is both quick and hassle-free for individuals and organizations alike.
With an easily accessible network, testing becomes more straightforward, reducing delays and simplifying the testing process across various locations.
The simple and confidential process in Grimes, CA, for hair follicle testing instills confidence in users. The transparent steps from ordering to receiving results prioritize privacy and ensure that every part of the process is handled with care and discretion.
Privacy concerns are addressed efficiently, allowing individuals and employers to engage with the testing process comfortably and securely.
In Grimes, CA, Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing that aligns with the fast turnaround times of hair follicle testing services. This combination offers immense value, ensuring cost-effectiveness for enterprises of various scales looking to implement or continue thorough drug testing protocols.
Our reliable results and affordable options maintain high standards without burdening financial resources, enhancing accessibility.
The hair follicle drug test is recognized in Grimes, CA, for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. Its ability to precisely detect various substances is unmatched, providing assurance to those who rely on it for safeguarding their workplaces or fulfilling legal obligations.
Speed accompanies the accuracy of hair testing. With quick analysis times, employers and individuals can swiftly access results, making it a preferred choice for time-sensitive drug testing needs.
Employers in Grimes, CA, find compliance and peace of mind in hair follicle testing. Complying with workplace drug policies, this testing method reduces legal risks while advancing overall workplace safety, proving crucial for companies dedicated to maintaining safe environments.
By choosing hair testing, businesses can better ensure adherence to strict drug-free workplace policies, enhancing their operational integrity and reputation.
