Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When collected from near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to assemble, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) situated closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels surpassing 10 in number, a sample of 150mg is advised. The specimen should be weighed on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a proportionate quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other varieties of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning requires the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This involves checking that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial brief assessment for illicit drugs. Screening is a cost-efficient approach to identify drug usage in most samples, but a positive result in Screening needs verification for court submission. Any samples presumed positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Preparation. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging type of testing to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the guidelines of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the accreditation to the ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle within the scalp
Choosing hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Loleta, CA, offers significant advantages. Hair tests stand out for their superior detection time, tracking drug use up to 90 days. The reliability of these results ensures that organizations can make well-informed decisions. The accuracy of hair testing surpasses urine tests, especially for sustained substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Loleta, CA, provides an impressive detection window of up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to grasp an individual's long-term substance history, offering a detailed overview that urine tests can't match. The comprehensive insights gained from hair tests are invaluable in evaluating potential risks in employment scenarios.
Loleta, CA, benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. This method significantly mitigates the chances of sample adulteration, providing results that are reliable and beyond dispute. The stringent collection process ensures the integrity of the sample, enhancing the trustworthiness of the findings when compared to other methods.
In Loleta, CA, and across the nation, our extensive network of testing centers guarantees convenient access to necessary services. With such wide coverage, individuals and employers can promptly conduct tests without unnecessary delays, highlighting the ease and accessibility of our testing locations.
The process for hair follicle testing in Loleta, CA, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, we prioritize privacy and ease of use. Our streamlined system ensures that individuals can navigate the process seamlessly, without concerns about confidentiality or complexity.
In Loleta, CA, our hair follicle testing services are marked by competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. We are committed to providing value for organizations of all sizes, ensuring the process remains both affordable and efficient. The combination of cost-effectiveness and rapid result deployment is designed to meet diverse needs, bringing peace of mind.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Loleta, CA, are unmatched. With hair tests, detection of substance use is both immediate and accurate, ensuring that individuals and organizations can rely on the results provided. This method is effective in processing samples rapidly, granting timely confirmations of substance use while maintaining top-tier accuracy in results.
By adopting hair follicle testing in Loleta, CA, employers can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, enhancing both safety and peace of mind. The non-intrusive nature of hair tests aids in maintaining a secure and legal workplace, minimizing potential legal challenges and fostering a secure employment environment.
