Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Keeler, CA

What it is, How it works

Utilizing hair analysis has emerged as an impactful approach for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair gives a comprehensive timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the growing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, it's somewhat challenging to tamper with, and it's simple to transport.

A segment measuring 1.5 inches, or about 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil), cut closest to the scalp, equates to 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional markers, and tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is ideal. A jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair not be accessible, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we explicitly refer to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The four essential stages in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first step, where samples are introduced into the laboratory’s system. This involves verifying the integrity of the sample’s seal and its careful shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional required data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.

Screening provides an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive preliminary result must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that return a preliminary positive in the Screening phase necessitate further confirmation.

Should a sample yield a presumptive positive result at the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original specimen for Processing. During this step, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.

Confirmation of positive findings from the initial test is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo a wash before confirmation, when necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug use spanning up to 90 days, providing a longer window than urine tests, which typically detect more recent usage.
• Hard to tamper: A hair drug test is highly resistant to tampering, thereby producing more reliable results.
• Reflects usage trends: This type of test can showcase a pattern of drug use over time, as opposed to only detecting recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Generally, hair drug tests are pricier than other testing methods.
• Potential result variations: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can impact drug metabolite concentration in hair.

Note: Though often named "hair follicle tests", the analysis truly assesses the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Keeler, CA
The benefits of hair testing surpass traditional urine tests, delivering superior detection accuracy. Hair tests offer a longer detection period, making them more reliable for identifying long-term substance use history, fostering greater trust in the results.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Keeler, CA
Hair follicle testing can capture drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days. This comprehensive detection window allows employers to assess a more complete substance use history, crucial for making informed hiring and employment decisions.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Keeler, CA
One of the key advantages of hair follicle tests is their resilience to tampering. The process significantly decreases the risk of sample adulteration, delivering reliable and trustworthy results that can withstand scrutiny.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Keeler, CA
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation makes testing services easily accessible. Whether nationally or locally in Keeler, CA, our locations ensure testing is a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Keeler, CA
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and secure. We emphasize confidentiality to address privacy concerns, ensuring users feel comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Keeler, CA
We offer competitive pricing and fast processing times, delivering excellent value and rapid response for businesses of any size. Our pricing structures ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining the integrity of testing services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Keeler, CA
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their high precision and swift turnaround times, making them invaluable for detecting substances efficiently. This method ensures reliable outcomes, providing peace of mind to organizations concerned with maintaining a substance-free workplace environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Keeler, CA
Implementing hair follicle testing in the workplace ensures adherence to drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and boosting safety. This method supports employers in maintaining compliance, providing assurance and peace of mind.

Drug Testing Near Keeler, CA

Keeler, CA