Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has become a recognized approach in detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can chronicle an extended timeframe of drug and alcohol usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol presence over a period of approximately three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirming. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent measure of body hair may be utilized. When we mention head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results follows four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial entry of a sample into the lab’s system. This phase verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary and rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient for excluding drug presence in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to ensure admissibility in judicial settings. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a confirmatory procedure.
Upon a presumptively positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen and made ready for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo a wash prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing holds several benefits over traditional urine tests, particularly in Kirkwood, CA. The accuracy of hair tests makes them preferable for many scenarios, offering superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a more reliable assessment due to their detailed detection abilities.
Comparison with urine tests shows that hair follicle testing is less susceptible to tampering and can reveal drug use history more comprehensively. This makes it ideal for those needing a dependable and lasting solution.
Hair follicle testing in Kirkwood, CA is renowned for its extended detection window, which provides a broader look into a person's past substance use, reaching up to 90 days. This long-range insight aids employers in assessing an applicant or employee's drug history more thoroughly than other testing methods.
Employers gain more comprehensive insights through hair testing, allowing them to make informed decisions based on a long-term view of drug use, ensuring a safe and productive work environment.
In Kirkwood, CA, the tamper-resistant properties of hair follicle tests are crucial, minimizing the risk of sample adulteration that traditional methods can't guarantee. This test design ensures results that are beyond question, providing confidence in the testing process.
With reduced risks of manipulation, hair follicle drug testing offers a far more secure option. This assurance in reliability is why many choose this method over others, acknowledging its strong integrity and accuracy.
Convenience is key with our sprawling network of testing centers, making drug testing in Kirkwood, CA both easy and accessible. Nationwide locations ensure that wherever you are, testing is within reach, with efficient and straightforward access for all.
Whether you're in Kirkwood or elsewhere, hassle-free access to hair follicle tests is assured, meaning appointments can be organized smoothly, leaving you with an uncomplicated path to fulfillment.
Simplicity defines our process in Kirkwood, CA, from ordering to test taking. Confidentiality is paramount, offering both ease and privacy, so you can receive your results without concern.
Our method ensures a streamlined experience, balancing ease and privacy. You get the testing results you need without compromising personal information, all in a straightforward process that's easy to manage.
In Kirkwood, CA, our hair follicle tests stand out for their affordability and quick results. Companies of all sizes benefit from competitive prices and fast turnaround times, providing both value and effectiveness.
This balance of cost and speed makes our testing solutions appealing, meeting budget considerations while ensuring that results are delivered without unnecessary delays.
The swiftness and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Kirkwood, CA, provide a distinct advantage. Their ability to quickly and accurately detect substance use is invaluable for employers and individuals alike. Hair tests offer unmatched accuracy and are increasingly popular due to their reliable results.
Fast and efficient, these tests ensure that results are not only rapid but also trustworthy. Precision of hair testing means that users gain dependable insights without unnecessary delays.
Employers in Kirkwood, CA find hair follicle testing a valuable tool in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. It supports not only legal adherence but also promotes a safer, more trustworthy working environment.
By ensuring compliance through reliable testing, legal risks are minimized, and the safety net for workplace management is strengthened. This peace of mind is essential for employers looking to protect both their staff and their business interests.
