Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronicler of alcohol and drug history by enclosing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month history of alcohol and drug intake. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and conveniently transported.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands, comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter, closest to the scalp equates to 100mg, which is the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab primarily involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial integration of the sample within the lab's framework. This process ensures the sample was correctly sealed and may include tasks such as assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) and completing missing data entry absent in an electronic custody chain.
Screening entails a preliminary inspection for substances typically abused. Although Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage on most samples, a positive screening requires verification to be legally valid. Any samples with preliminary positive results during Screening necessitate a confirmatory secondary analysis.
If the Screening indicates a potential positive, more hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction process. At this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug testing the most demanding technique to execute.
Confirmation of any indication of drugs in Screening is accomplished using techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with preliminary positive results go through washing before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes comprehensive reviews under the oversight of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lamont, CA, hair follicle testing provides a notable edge over urine testing. The accuracy of detecting drug use is markedly enhanced, thanks to the nature of hair analysis which retains substances longer.
Traditional urine tests are limited to shorter detection windows. Hair testing's reliability in chronicling drug history offers organizations and legal entities a more comprehensive tool for monitoring.
Hair follicle testing's extended detection window, up to 90 days, is a major advantage in Lamont, CA. This capability allows employers significant insight into an individual's substance use history.
The broader detection duration means employers can assess potential or current employees' drug use over several months, facilitating informed decision-making.
In terms of security, hair follicle tests conducted in Lamont, CA, are highly tamper-resistant. The difficulty in adulterating hair samples makes it a reliable choice for drug testing.
This testing method minimizes risks associated with sample tampering, ensuring employers receive credible and indisputable results, thus reinforcing their trust in the process.
With testing centers nationwide, including Lamont, CA, Accredited Drug Testing ensures accessible and convenient drug testing services for all individuals and companies.
Our widespread facilities eliminate the inconvenience of long travels, making the testing process efficient and hassle-free, regardless of your location.
The drug testing process in Lamont, CA is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering tests to sample collection and receiving results, every step prioritizes user privacy.
This easy-to-navigate procedure alleviates any concerns clients might have, making the entire experience straightforward and discreet, thereby maintaining client confidence.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitively priced services with fast turnaround times in Lamont, CA. Our pricing model is designed to provide value for businesses large and small.
These affordable rates, combined with prompt result delivery, ensure that our clients receive excellent service without compromising on quality or speed, thus supporting their operational needs.
Hair follicle testing in Lamont, CA, offers fast and accurate results. The precision of this method is superior, ensuring that substance use is detected effectively, which is critical in many professional and legal contexts.
The reliability of hair follicle drug tests stems from their capacity to accurately reflect usage patterns, providing crucial insights into individual behaviors. Results are fast-tracked, allowing rapid decisions in sensitive situations.
Employers in Lamont, CA benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies, thus reducing legal risks. This method supports the creation of a safe work environment.
The peace of mind offered by hair testing assures that employers are proactive in maintaining a healthy, law-compliant workplace. It represents a commitment to safety and legal accountability.
