Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a comprehensive timeline of drug and alcohol use by embedding specific markers within the strands as they grow. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal usage patterns spanning up to about three months. It's straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, comprising around 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair ideal for preliminary and confirmatory analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and examinations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps to process a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is first processed into the lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening provides a preliminary analysis for drug presence. Though Screening is a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in many samples, a positive result must be verified for court admissibility. Samples yielding a presumptive positive at Screening need further verification.
A sample indicating a presumptive positive at Screening undergoes additional hair extraction for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair, requiring a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), making hair drug testing exceptionally challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The entire procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Harmony, CA, hair follicle testing excels over traditional urine tests, offering superior detection accuracy across a wider range of substances. This method provides a reliable assessment of an individual's drug use history through its enhanced detection capabilities.
While urine tests capture recent usage, hair tests extend the scrutiny to a 90-day window, offering a comprehensive evaluation that is harder to deceive, thus proving invaluable for employers.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Harmony, CA provides employers with an insightful view into an individual’s substance use over the past 90 days. This feature helps in understanding not only recent but also historical patterns.
This extended period is beneficial for comprehensive employer evaluations, offering a clearer picture of an applicant or employee’s commitment to a drug-free lifestyle, far surpassing the short-term insight of urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Harmony, CA significantly minimizes the risk of tampering, providing authentic and reliable results. The very nature of the test makes it resistant to adulteration attempts, ensuring the integrity of the sample.
Employers can be reassured with hair testing methods that manipulate outcomes is nearly impossible. This robust security measure enhances trust in the testing process and results, an advantage over urine tests prone to manipulation.
With our efficient testing facilities nationwide, including Harmony, CA, accessing drug testing services has never been more straightforward. Our centers ensure prompt and hassle-free access to comprehensive testing solutions.
Convenient nationwide locations are designed to facilitate rapid services so clients don't face delays, making testing accessible to organizations and individuals looking to ensure compliance and safety.
Our drug testing processes in Harmony, CA, are designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring that clients can complete the testing procedure with ease and discretion. The streamlined approach takes the stress out of drug testing.
From ordering through taking the test and receiving the results, every step prioritizes privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns about confidentiality or complexity for clients.
In Harmony, CA, hair follicle testing is a cost-effective solution for businesses, offering competitive pricing without compromising on quality or speed. This makes drug testing accessible to organizations of all sizes.
Our quick turnaround times ensure that companies receive results swiftly, allowing for timely decisions that align with their policies and maintain safety standards, thereby providing excellent value.
Hair follicle testing offers fast and precise results, making it a desirable option for drug screening in Harmony, CA. Its accuracy in detecting substance use is unparalleled, providing quick, reliable results that employers and individuals can trust.
Through sophisticated analysis, hair follicle tests can swiftly identify traces of drugs or alcohol, ensuring decisions can be made promptly without compromising accuracy.
In Harmony, our advanced testing processes are designed to assure clients of the reliability and efficiency of hair follicle tests, enhancing trust in the outcomes.
For employers in Harmony, CA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing the risk of legal issues. Adhering to these standards provides peace of mind and promotes a safe working environment.
By implementing hair testing, businesses can demonstrate a proactive stance towards maintaining safety standards, mitigating risks associated with substance misuse, and strengthening their workforce’s integrity.
