Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Montclair, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by locking biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can provide up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively challenging to adulterate, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch hair sample consisting of approximately 200 strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. When addressing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The four critical steps in the laboratory procedure of determining a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning consists of the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was sealed and delivered properly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be valid in legal proceedings. Any samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.

Should a sample show presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening the most complex technique to perform.

Verification of any positive screening result is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection timeframe.
• Difficulty to manipulate: It is quite challenging to tamper with a hair drug test, resulting in more reliable outcomes.
• Offers historical insight: It can present a trend of drug usage over a period, not just recent use.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent usage: Approximately 5-7 days are needed for drugs to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are typically costlier than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements such as hair color and individual differences in hair growth can influence the levels of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Although often referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outshines urine tests in Montclair, CA due to their comprehensive detection abilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can identify drug use over an extended period.
Superior Accuracy: Hair tests minimize false positives, ensuring reliable outcomes.
Extended History: Track drug usage trends far beyond the scope of urine tests, enhancing decision quality.

Extended Detection Window

In Montclair, CA, hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window, revealing drug use over a 90-day span. This timeframe exceeds the brief coverage of standard urine tests.
Long-Term Insight: Employers gain a fuller understanding of substance habits.
Comprehensive History: Allows for informed decisions based on detailed drug usage patterns.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Montclair, CA provides undisputable results, surpassing traditional methods.
Secure Method: Hair samples, less prone to contamination, deliver authentic results.
Reliable Results: Increases the dependability of outcomes, assuring all stakeholders.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Conveniently situated in Montclair, CA, our widespread testing centers ensure accessibility and ease.
Nationwide Access: Extensive network of centers guarantees minimal travel and prompt testing.
Local Availability: Easily accessible testing sites across all cities enhance user convenience.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Montclair, CA, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, ensuring user privacy and convenience.
Confidential Testing: Protects individual identities during every step.
Effortless Process: Streamlined testing procedure, from scheduling to result retrieval.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround, hair follicle testing in Montclair, CA delivers value and assurance.
Cost-Efficient Solutions: Affordable testing suitable for companies of all sizes.
Quick Results: Fast processing times provide peace of mind and operational fluidity.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Montclair, CA, hair follicle drug tests are appreciated for their speed and accuracy. The process ensures quick and precise results, detecting substances effectively.
High Precision: Through advanced techniques, hair tests provide detailed insights into substance use.
Fast Turnaround: Rapid processing guarantees timely results, vital for urgent assessments.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

With rigorous drug-free policies in Montclair, CA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and reduces legal risks.
Enhanced Safety: Maintaining safety standards through reliable drug screening.
Reduced Liability: Furthers employer protection through consistent, dependable testing methods.

Drug Testing Near Montclair, CA

Gonzales, CA

Bangor, CA

Boulevard, CA