Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Los Alamitos, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. The hair strand captures markers of alcohol and drugs within its growing fibers, offering a lengthy historical record. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal substance usage over approximately a three-month period. Its collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and it’s easy to transport.

A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the preferred quantity for both initial and confirmatory tests. For EtG tests, extra assessments, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair specimen is advised. It's best to weigh the hair sample on a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, while body hair denotes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary phases of laboratory processing for drug testing comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial sample processing within the lab system, confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any supplementary data not available from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary inspection for drugs of abuse. While it’s a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, positive screenings necessitate confirmation for court validity. Samples that indicate presumptive positives in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods, such as urine or oral fluid, rendering hair drug screening a complex methodology.

Positive screening confirmations are executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that exhibit presumptive positives are subject to washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure—from Accessioning to Confirmation—receives oversight under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can identify drug usage up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests that offer a shorter detection period.
• Resistance to manipulation: Hair drug tests are notably difficult to deceive, enhancing result accuracy.
• Historical usage insights: These tests can elucidate a drug usage pattern over time, not merely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect immediate use: There’s a delay of approximately 5-7 days for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug testing typically costs more than alternative drug test methods.
• Result variations: Factors like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine tests in Los Alamitos, CA? The primary advantage lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing can reveal drug use over an extended timeline, providing insights that urine tests might miss. It's the preferred method for a thorough and reliable evaluation of substance use.

Extended Detection Window

The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Los Alamitos, CA, provides a significant edge. Spanning up to 90 days, this method allows for a detailed view into an individual’s drug history. Employers benefit from this comprehensive analysis, making informed decisions based on consistent and past substance use patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Los Alamitos, CA, is its tamper-resistant nature. By significantly minimizing the possibility of sample adulteration, these tests yield results that are trusted and definitive. This level of reliability ensures that the integrity of the testing process remains uncompromised.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient nationwide and local testing locations in Los Alamitos, CA, enhance the accessibility of hair follicle testing. With centers strategically placed, individuals and employers alike can benefit from an easy and quick testing process, ensuring all needs are met without unnecessary hassle.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process in Los Alamitos, CA, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering a hair follicle test, submitting a sample, and receiving results are streamlined steps, ensuring user privacy and convenience. Addressing these concerns is a priority, making the testing process as worry-free as possible.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Los Alamitos, CA, affordable pricing and fast turnaround make hair follicle testing a valuable option for businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures mean you don't have to compromise on quality, while quick result times fit within the fast-paced needs of modern companies.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Los Alamitos, CA, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of these tests ensures that the detection of substance use is unparalleled, giving a comprehensive analysis quickly. Hair tests are known for their ability to accurately reflect drug use habits over time, distinguishing them from more traditional testing methods.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Adopting hair follicle testing in Los Alamitos, CA, gives employers compliance and peace of mind. This testing method aligns with workplace drug-free policies, decreasing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. Employers can ensure they meet all regulatory frameworks while maintaining a secure workplace culture.

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