Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Increasingly acknowledged as a vital technique for spotting drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing captures a prolonged record of substance intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of a developing hair strand. With hair taken near the scalp, a detection span for alcohol and other substances can extend up to roughly three months. Hair's collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it is convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches containing around 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the preferred sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additions, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. When we mention head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps involved in the lab processing of a drug testing result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This process involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and transported, allotting a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening entails an initial rapid examination for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides an economical means to exclude drug use in a majority of samples, to be valid in court, a positive screen must undergo confirmation. Samples presumptively positive in Screening require further validation.
If a sample indicates presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is derived from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing represents the most challenging methodology.
Any positive Screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation when necessary. The entire laboratory methodology, from Accessioning through to Confirmation, is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards set by ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being called "hair follicle tests," these tests evaluate the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Prevails Over Urine Testing in Honey Lake, CA
Hair follicle testing offers many advantages over traditional urine tests, primarily in its heightened accuracy and reliability. This method excels in identifying drug use over extended periods, providing a dependable alternative to urine tests, which are more prone to evasion. It demonstrates superior detection, especially critical for organizations with zero-tolerance policies.
Extended Detection Window in Honey Lake, CA
Hair follicle testing is valuable for its capacity to detect substances over an extended period of up to 90 days. This long-range timeline provides employers with a comprehensive assessment of an individual's drug use history, which is essential for maintaining a safe workplace. The ability to review an applicant or employee's substance record over time supports informed hiring and retention decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing in Honey Lake, CA
Our hair follicle tests significantly minimize the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and irrefutable outcomes. This testing method eliminates the possibility of sample adulteration, providing an unbiased and unquestioned result, crucial for compliance with legal and corporate standards.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Honey Lake, CA
We highlight the convenience of accessing our numerous testing centers across the country. With local options available in Honey Lake, scheduling and completing tests is hassle-free, providing a seamless and accessible testing experience for all clients.
Simple and Confidential Process in Honey Lake, CA
Our testing procedures are designed to be straightforward and private, addressing any privacy concerns individuals may have. The process of ordering, executing, and receiving results is confidential and user-friendly, ensuring smooth and stress-free interactions for our clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Honey Lake, CA
We offer competitive pricing structures alongside swift turnaround times, adding value to our testing services for businesses of all sizes. Clients appreciate the cost-efficiency and the peace of mind that comes with knowing results are delivered promptly and affordably.
Fast and Reliable Results in Honey Lake, CA
Our hair follicle drug tests provide quick and accurate results for detecting substance use in Honey Lake, CA. Clients benefit from the precision and promptness of our testing process, ensuring high accuracy for identifying drugs in the system. The reliability of our methods helps you make informed decisions without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Honey Lake, CA
Employers in Honey Lake benefit from using hair follicle testing to guarantee compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This method not only minimizes legal challenges but also enhances overall safety within the working environment. Organizations can operate confidently, knowing their policies are adhered to and risks are reduced.
