Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug exposure. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal usage for a period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair sampling is straightforward, tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch portion made up of nearly 200 hairs (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg, an optimal amount for both screening and verification. For tests such as EtG, add-ons, and assays exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. In cases where scalp hair is missing, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. Reference to head hair specifically implies scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Outline of Procedures
The four crucial phases in lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where the sample is logged into the lab's system. This stage ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any pending data input absent in an electronic custody trail.
Screening involves a preliminary evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most cases, a positive finding necessitates further confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples that test positive during Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug testing a more complex process.
Confirmation for any positive screening is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab processing cycle from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Typically, these are termed "hair follicle tests", although the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle embedded in the scalp.
In Hillsborough, CA, hair follicle testing is increasingly surpassing traditional urine tests in popularity. One reason is its superior detection capability. Since substances remain in hair longer, detecting drug use is more comprehensive. In workplaces, this means a clearer overview of employees' drug habits, unlike urine tests that have a much shorter detection period.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, making it highly effective in Hillsborough, CA. This method can uncover drug usage for up to 90 days prior, offering employers a thorough understanding of an employee or candidate's history. Such a wide detection range ensures that informed decisions can be made based on detailed substance use data.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests ensures reliable outcomes, crucial for Hillsborough, CA. Hair tests significantly lower the risk of sample alteration, with results being nearly impossible to fake. This testing method reassures employers and legal bodies of the authenticity of the findings, making it a preferred choice for many institutions.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing locations nationwide, including in Hillsborough, CA. Our network of testing centers ensures that access is quick and hassle-free for everyone. This extensive reach allows individuals and employers to easily access the required testing services without unnecessary delays or complications.
Our simple and confidential process streamlines drug testing in Hillsborough, CA. Whether ordering a test, providing a sample, or receiving results, privacy is upheld at every stage. This ease of use addresses concerns over confidentiality, ensuring individuals and organizations trust our testing procedures fully.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Hillsborough, CA, offers excellent value. Our affordable hair follicle tests provide rapid results, ideal for companies of all sizes. This efficient service ensures that businesses receive accurate information swiftly without breaking the bank.
The precision and expediency of hair follicle drug tests in Hillsborough, CA, are unparalleled. These tests offer exceptionally accurate detection of substance use, leading to reliable results. The method involves analyzing the hair sample, which can reveal a history of drug use, thus enhancing confidence in the findings. This accuracy is crucial for employers requiring stringent drug-free policies.
Utilizing hair follicle tests aids Hillsborough employers in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this method, businesses not only enhance safety but also mitigate legal risks. Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to regulations, fostering a secure work environment and providing peace of mind for employers.
