Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an efficient means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a lengthy record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within its strands as they grow. When extracted near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a 3-month range of detection for alcohol and drugs. Collection of hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation procedures. For EtG, additional panels beyond the standard 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. Head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab involves four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of integrating a specimen into a laboratory's workflow. This process involves verifying the integrity and proper shipment of the sample, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any remaining data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drug traces. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to rule out substance use for most samples, a positive initial result must be validated to hold up legally. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
Presumptively positive samples lead to more of the original hair being extracted for further testing. During Extraction, drugs are pulled from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other procedures (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to administer.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples presumptively positive are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire lab process adheres to standards established by CAP (College of American Pathologists) for Hair and is accredited under ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Morgan Hill, CA
Hair follicle testing provides a more comprehensive detection method compared to traditional urine tests. Its superior accuracy offers better insights into substance use with less risk of false negativity.
As opposed to urine tests, hair analysis captures a more detailed picture of an individual's drug use over time. This reliability helps employers and professionals make informed decisions based on solid evidence.
Extended Detection Window in Morgan Hill, CA
One of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection window of up to 90 days. This feature allows employers to gain an in-depth understanding of an individual’s substance use history.
A longer detection window provides a thorough review of a person's drug history, ensuring that no recent activities are overlooked. This comprehensive overview is critical in assessing substance use patterns effectively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Morgan Hill, CA
Hair follicle tests significantly minimize the likelihood of tampered samples, offering trustworthy and indisputable results that stakeholders can rely on.
Such tests ensure that the integrity of the sample remains intact, thereby nullifying attempts at sample manipulation. This robust method underlines why hair testing is favored for accurate drug testing needs.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Morgan Hill, CA
With widespread testing centers nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services is straightforward and hassle-free for individuals and businesses alike.
Our network ensures that wherever you are, testing is easily accessible, allowing for efficient scheduling and reduced logistical challenges.
Simple, Confidential Process in Morgan Hill, CA
Our process for ordering, conducting, and obtaining hair follicle test results is streamlined to prioritize both convenience and privacy.
Confidentiality is preserved at every step, ensuring client comfort and security in knowing personal information is handled with discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Morgan Hill, CA
We offer competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, making hair follicle testing both cost-effective and time-efficient.
Providing exceptional value, our services are designed to fit the budget requirements of various organizations, ensuring timely and affordable solutions for drug testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Morgan Hill, CA
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. When time and accuracy are crucial, this method offers an unparalleled level of detail, quickly identifying substance use.
The high accuracy of hair testing means that you can trust the results to be correct. It's a dependable method to detect drug or alcohol use, making it ideal for various situations requiring reliable evidence.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Morgan Hill, CA
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps maintain adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and fostering a safe working environment.
Implementing this testing procedure aids businesses in ensuring compliance, significantly reducing the risks associated with workplace substance abuse, and providing peace of mind.
