Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Hornbrook, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is now acknowledged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a chronic reservoir of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. Collected near the scalp, it offers a detection range of about three months for substances. It is easy to gather, resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG supplements, and/or tests beyond the ten-panel standard, it is suggested to use 150mg of the sample. We advise assessing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, the same quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to any other hair sources (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps within the lab analysis of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning pertains to the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s framework. This includes verifying the sample's sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not supplied via an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts a preliminary evaluation for drugs of misuse. Although it serves as a cost-effective means to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for court acceptance. Samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

If a sample tests as presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are retrieved from hair at concentrations significantly lower than in other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is one of the most challenging methods to perform.

Confirmation of any positive screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug assessments can trace drug use for up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests with a briefer detection range.
• Hard to compromise: Cheating on a hair drug assessment is notably tough, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It reveals a history of drug use over time, beyond just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot reveal recent consumption: Drugs need around 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug assessments typically cost more than alternative testing methods.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and personal differences in hair growth may impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hornbrook, CA

• Hair follicle testing offers superior accuracy over the traditional urine test.
• The detection window is longer, providing greater insight into an individual’s drug use history.
• Hair tests are difficult to cheat, providing more reliable results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Hornbrook, CA

• Hair follicle testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days.
• This extended detection period provides employers with a detailed view of an employee’s drug use history.
• Such comprehensive insight is invaluable for maintaining workplace integrity.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hornbrook, CA

• Hair follicle tests drastically cut down risks related to sample adulteration.
• The method provides results that are reliable and hard to dispute.
• This integrity ensures trust in personal and workplace testing outputs.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hornbrook, CA

• With centers across the country, access to testing services is simple and quick.
• Local residents have easy access to Hornbrook testing facilities.
• This nationwide coverage allows for ease and efficiency in drug testing needs.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Hornbrook, CA

• Ordering, taking, and receiving results is streamlined for user convenience.
• The process addresses privacy concerns effectively.
• Simplicity and confidentiality are key strengths of the testing procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hornbrook, CA

• Our competitive pricing structures offer excellent value for all business sizes.
• Quick turnaround times ensure timely results.
• Both cost efficiency and rapid results provide peace of mind to employers.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hornbrook, CA

• The precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched, offering top-tier accuracy in substance use detection.
• The results provide essential data allowing for swift decision-making.
• This testing method enhances both reliability and speed, reducing wait times for results.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hornbrook, CA

• Using hair follicle testing helps meet stringent workplace drug-free policies.
• Employers can significantly mitigate legal risks.
• This process enhances the safety and compliance of any business environment.

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