Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examination is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-lasting record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the strands of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, rather challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing about 200 strands (roughly equating to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp gathers 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. We advise weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar volume of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The drug test processing in a laboratory comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of entering a specimen into the lab's system, which involves ensuring the sample was sealed and handled correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any absent data that an electronic chain of custody may not cover.
Screening comprises an initial swift assessment for substance use. While a cost-efficient approach, Screening's positive results must be verified to be court-admissible. Samples that yield a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lesser concentration compared to techniques like urine or oral fluid, explaining why hair drug screening is the most complex technique to conduct.
Any positive screens are confirmed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing prior to confirmation per necessities. The process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair requirements and ISO / IEC 17025 certification standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gustine, CA Hair testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests. The extended detection window and superior accuracy make it a reliable choice for identifying drug use. By capturing a longer history of substance intake, hair tests provide a more thorough assessment of an individual's drug habits, ensuring more comprehensive results.
Extended Detection Window in Gustine, CA Unlike other testing methods, hair follicle tests can detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window enables employers to gain deeper insights into an individual's substance history, making it an invaluable tool for ensuring workplace safety and evaluating an applicant's suitability based on past behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gustine, CA Hair follicle drug tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering. By employing a nearly tamper-proof collection process, hair tests provide reliable and indisputable results. Unlike urine tests, which can be more easily manipulated, hair testing ensures the integrity of the sample, giving employers greater confidence in the accuracy of the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gustine, CA Accredited Drug Testing offers a network of nationwide testing centers, ensuring easy access for individuals and employers alike. With a presence in Gustine, CA, and beyond, scheduling a test is a seamless process, providing clients with timely and hassle-free services that cater to their specific needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gustine, CA The process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and confidential. Clients can be assured their privacy is protected every step of the way, with discreet handling of sensitive information, making this testing method ideal for maintaining confidentiality and trust.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gustine, CA At Accredited Drug Testing, competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing an excellent value. These affordable solutions ensure companies of all sizes can access quality testing services without compromise, providing peace of mind with quick and reliable results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gustine, CA Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its precision and swiftness. This method provides highly accurate detection of substance use, which is essential for maintaining safety and compliance in the workplace. The quick processing time of these tests ensures that results are delivered promptly, empowering employers to make informed decisions without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gustine, CA Utilizing hair follicle drug testing helps employers maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies. By reducing legal risks associated with substance misuse, this testing method enhances overall workplace safety. The assurance of accurate and consistent test results provides peace of mind for employers who prioritize a safe and productive work environment.
