Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have increasingly become recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use. Hair can archive a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of expanding hair strands. When clipped near the base, hair can furnish a detection timeframe of nearly three months for substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to dispatch.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the surface, will yield 100mg–the preferred quantity for screening and validation. For EtG evaluations, supplemental, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg is made. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weight is advised. If head hair isn’t accessible, a comparable volume of body hair is collectible. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of primary processes in a laboratory's drug test result processing comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary processing of a sample in a lab's system. This process entails verifying whether the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial cursory examination for substances. While Screening economizes costs by eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples giving positive indications during Screening require follow-up verification.
For those tests indicating positive during the Screening, more hair from the original sample is taken for the Extraction step. Drugs are isolated from the hair at lower concentrations in this step compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting that hair drug testing is among the more complex methodologies to administer.
Verification of positive screened results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Prior to confirmation, all presumptively positive samples undergo washing as needed. The entire laboratory journey from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 credential.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marina del Rey, CA
Hair testing offers superior detection over traditional urine tests. It ensures higher accuracy and reliability, capturing a comprehensive history of substance use. Employers and authorities benefit from a detection period that extends up to 90 days, making it a favored choice for long-term vetting.
Extended Detection Window in Marina del Rey, CA
Hair follicle testing can uncover drug use for up to 90 days. This extended detection period provides employers with an expansive overview of an individual’s substance history, helping inform decisions concerning both applicants and current employees, thereby fostering a safer workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marina del Rey, CA
Hair follicle tests dramatically minimize the risk of sample tampering. The method's inherent resistance to adulteration ensures the integrity of the testing procedure, thus delivering reliable and undisputed results crucial for compliance and safety.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marina del Rey, CA
With testing centers spread across the nation including Marina del Rey, Accredited Drug Testing provides easy access to facilities. This ensures quick, hassle-free services, catering to diverse testing needs efficiently and conveniently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marina del Rey, CA
The ordering, completion, and result delivery of hair follicle tests involve a straightforward, confidential process. Concerns about privacy are addressed at every step, ensuring that test-takers have a smooth experience while maintaining thorough confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marina del Rey, CA
Our competitive pricing structures alongside quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing not only an economical choice but also one that provides fast results. We offer excellent value and peace of mind for organizations of all sizes with our efficient service model.
In Marina del Rey, CA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. They excel in precision, ensuring that substance use is detected with high accuracy. This testing method not only provides rapid results but also offers employers conclusive evidence with minimal delay, giving them confidence in their hiring and monitoring processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marina del Rey, CA
Implementing hair follicle tests helps employers maintain drug-free workplace policies, easing legal responsibilities and enhancing safety. It provides peace of mind by reducing the risks associated with drug-related incidents and fostering a secure working environment.
