Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective medium for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers within its strands as they grow. When cut close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to three months for both alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. Using a jeweler's scale for precise measurement is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, an identical quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, specifically scalp hair is implied. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test sample involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s protocol. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an inexpensive option to eliminate drug use in most cases, court admissibility requires confirming positive screens. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a concentration lower than other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is one reason hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of a positive screening is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Samples with presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedures from Accessioning through Confirmation are inspected under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing holds distinct advantages over traditional urine assays in Lancaster, CA. Superior in detection reliability, hair tests effectively identify varied drug usage patterns, offering an edge in accuracy.
Key benefits of hair testing include a broader detection window and heightened accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair folicles retain drug markers longer, providing clearer insights into an individual's substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Lancaster, CA offers a unique advantage with its extended detection window. Capable of identifying substance use up to 90 days prior, it provides a broader perspective on usage patterns.
Employers benefit from this expanded view, gaining valuable insight into an employee's or applicant's history. It allows for a comprehensive evaluation of substance habits, aiding informed decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Lancaster, CA enhances result integrity. This method significantly reduces sample tampering risks, making the process trustworthy.
Hair samples are less prone to adulteration, ensuring reliability. This stability is crucial for accurate substance use assessment, providing unquestionable results for decision-makers.
Convenience is paramount with extensive testing locations in Lancaster, CA, and nationwide. Our testing centers simplify access, offering hassle-free services.
Quick and accessible, our locations provide swift testing processes, essential for timely assessments. Nationwide facilities allow seamless coordination, ensuring all testing needs are met efficiently.
In Lancaster, CA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to result receipt, each step ensures privacy and ease.
The streamlined procedure addresses privacy concerns while remaining user-friendly. Clients can trust the secure handling of their information, enhancing the testing experience.
With competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in Lancaster, CA offers affordability and fast turnaround. Companies benefit from excellent value in testing services.
Affordable offerings coupled with rapid result delivery mean cost-effectiveness and reassurance for businesses of any size. Swift processing supports timely decision-making, providing peace of mind.
In Lancaster, CA, the precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. These tests quickly deliver accurate results, making them a desirable choice for detecting substance use. Their efficiency in processing ensures timely information, crucial for decision-making.
The reliability of hair follicle testing lies in its ability to accurately identify substance consumption. Coupled with quick result turnaround, this testing method provides a dependable assessment for individuals and employers alike.
For employers in Lancaster, CA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, fostering peace of mind. By choosing this method, companies mitigate legal risks and enhance safety.
Hair tests help enforce stringent policies effectively, supporting a culture of accountability. This reliable method aids in maintaining a secure, compliant work environment.
