Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By trapping biomarkers in the strands of hair, it provides an extended history of alcohol and drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a roughly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising around 200 strands of hair (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp equals 100mg, the optimal quantity for testing and verification. For EtG additions or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar amount of body hair is suitable. When we mention head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair includes other types such as facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory process for a drug test result involves four main phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is processed into the lab’s system. This phase includes confirming the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not already processed by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening acts as an initial rapid assessment for the presence of abuse drugs. While Screening is economical for ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal validity. Samples that test positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
For samples testing positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used to verify any positive results from Screening. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lockwood, CA, hair follicle testing is favored over traditional urine screens due to its superior accuracy and reliability. While urine tests provide a snapshot, hair tests offer a longer detection window, allowing a clearer view of substance use history. In various settings, including workplaces and legal contexts, hair testing ensures consistent and dependable results.
Hair follicle testing in Lockwood, CA, is invaluable for its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This feature allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's long-term substance habits. Unlike shorter-term urine tests, hair testing paints a broader picture of an applicant or employee's drug use over time.
Hair follicle testing is celebrated in Lockwood, CA, for its resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and unimpeachable. With the integrity of the sample protected, stakeholders can trust the outcomes of their screenings.
Accredited Drug Testing makes it convenient for residents in Lockwood, CA, with nationwide and local testing sites. This network offers a smooth and straightforward experience for those needing to undergo testing, eliminating unnecessary travel time and ensuring quick access to necessary services.
The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Lockwood, CA, is straightforward and confidential. This ensures that privacy concerns are met, from ordering the test to receiving results. The streamlined process aims at making drug testing a hassle-free experience for all involved.
In Lockwood, CA, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair follicle testing services. Alongside affordable rates, the fast turnaround times provide excellent value. Companies of various sizes can rely on us for cost-effective and prompt drug testing services, fitting both budget and time-sensitive needs.
Quick and precise, hair follicle drug tests in Lockwood, CA, stand out for their ability to detect substance use accurately. The efficiency of processing these tests means that results are delivered faster than traditional methods. This kind of testing helps individuals and organizations respond swiftly and effectively to substance use concerns.
By using hair follicle testing in Lockwood, CA, employers can enhance their compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies. This testing method helps mitigate legal risks and boosts the overall safety of the work environment. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they're taking a robust approach to substance regulation.
