Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows, hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use for a duration of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, minimally susceptible to tampering, and easily transportable.
An ideal test sample consists of a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) taken nearest the scalp, providing 100mg of hair for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair can be used. When we refer to head hair, we're specifically talking about scalp hair; body hair encompasses all other forms of hair like facial or underarm hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary additional data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for illegal drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result from it needs to be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples that test positive in Screening demand a further confirmation step.
Should a sample record a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lighter concentrations when compared to other test methods (e.g., urine or saliva), explaining why hair testing is among the most complex methodologies.
Positive results from Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the underlying hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Los Banos, CA Hair follicle testing offers greater benefits compared to traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests help identify substance use that urine tests might miss. Living in Los Banos, CA, this method becomes increasingly advantageous for both employers and individuals looking for assured results.
Extended Detection Window in Los Banos, CA One of the significant advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window, which can trace drug use up to 90 days back. This allows employers a thorough perspective on an applicant or employee's substance history. In Los Banos, CA, utilizing this testing method can considerably aid in making informed decisions regarding employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Los Banos, CA Hair follicle tests are known for their robustness against sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and uncontestable results. In Los Banos, CA, this method greatly diminishes the possibility of compromising the test results, thus maintaining the integrity of the drug screening process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Los Banos, CA Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations both nationwide and local to Los Banos, CA. These accessible centers make the drug testing experience quick, easy, and stress-free, ensuring services are available whenever and wherever needed.
Simple, Confidential Process in Los Banos, CA The process for conducting hair follicle drug tests is both straightforward and private. In Los Banos, CA, individuals can easily order, complete, and receive confidential results, addressing privacy concerns while offering ease of use for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Los Banos, CA Accredited Drug Testing in Los Banos, CA, prides itself on competitive pricing along with quick turnaround times, providing excellent value. Companies of all sizes can enjoy cost-effective solutions paired with rapid and reliable testing, ensuring peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Los Banos, CA Hair follicle drug testing stands out due to its precision and speed. These tests deliver high accuracy, making it possible to detect substance use effectively. Residents of Los Banos, CA, benefit from the fast, dependable results that hair follicle tests provide. This accuracy ensures that both employers and individuals have confidence in the outcome.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Los Banos, CA Hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. Employers in Los Banos, CA, who adopt this method can experience greater peace of mind, knowing their drug policies are fully compliant.
