What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-lasting record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) situated nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests over 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jewelerâ€™s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be acquired, an equal volume of body hair can be used. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes all other hair varieties (such as facial or axillary hair).

Process Overview

The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a labâ€™s framework. This process includes ensuring the sample was sealed and dispatched appropriately, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening provides an economical method to negate drug usage in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally defensible. Any samples that are tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory procedure.

If Screening results are tentatively positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging procedure to administer.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is undertaken by means of GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All provisional positive samples undergo washing prior to needed confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

Prolonged detection window: Hair drug tests can determine drug usage for up to 90 days, whereas urine tests have a more limited detection range.
Difficult to manipulate: Manipulating a hair drug test is very challenging, ensuring more precise results.
Offers historical insight: It offers a timeline of drug use over a duration, not just recent usage.

Limitations:

Incapable of spotting recent usage: It takes roughly 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be more costly than alternative drug testing methods.
Outcome variations: Factors such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite levels in the hair.

Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Heber, CA lies in its superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which capture recent use, hair testing highlights long-term drug use.

The detection period for hair testing is unmatched, unraveling drug history over 90 days.
Its results are nearly impossible to falsify, offering a more secure testing option.

This makes it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities focused on a drug-free environment.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Heber, CA is provided by hair follicle testing, which records drug use over up to 90 days. This long detection period presents an in-depth view of an individual's substance use history, crucial for employers seeking to understand employee reliability.

It supplies an extended timeline of drug use, beyond the short span captured by urine tests.

This method assures a more exhaustive evaluation of habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Heber, CA showcases how hair follicle tests minimize tampering risks significantly. Compared to urine tests, hair tests are substantially harder to alter.

They provide reliable, unquestioned results due to a difficult-to-manipulate collection process.

Employers can rest assured knowing the test's integrity remains intact, providing trustworthy outcomes.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Options in Heber, CA are a feature provided by our extensive network. Our nationwide and local centers facilitate quick and accessible testing services.

They provide hassle-free access to reliable drug testing facilities.
The convenience these locations offer boosts efficiency in testing processes.

This nationwide reach ensures clients can easily undergo necessary tests without difficulty.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Heber, CA ensures privacy and ease when ordering and receiving hair test results. Utilizing this method addresses privacy concerns effectively, making the process straightforward.

The Confidential nature of the tests ensures all individual information is secure.

An uncomplicated approach to secure accurate and private testing results for everyone involved.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Heber, CA make hair testing an attractive option for businesses. Our competitive pricing structures paired with swift result delivery offer exceptional value and peace of mind.

This ensures fast, thorough testing that doesn’t strain budgets.

Effective substance control has never been more accessible in terms of cost and time efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Heber, CA are achieved through hair follicle drug tests, which offer a heightened precision level when detecting substance use.

The speed of hair testing allows for quicker decision-making by employers.
The accuracy is exceptional, as it detects even the smallest traces of substances.

This testing method provides a dependable and thorough way to monitor substance abuse.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Heber, CA is ensured by integrating hair follicle testing into drug-free workplace policies. This approach aids in reducing legal risks and augments safety.