Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair samples has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair samples are easy to acquire, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately equivalent to a #2 pencil's width) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for assessment and validation. For tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should there be a lack of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair might be utilized. The term head hair specifically refers to hair from the scalp, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Summary
The principal stages in processing a drug test outcome in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is logged into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample has been properly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data input absent from an electronic chain of custody procedure.
Screening acts as a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening provides an affordable way to dismiss drug presence in the bulk of samples, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Any specimens presumed positive in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a specimen is suspected to be positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at far lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug analysis is the hardest methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are sanitized before confirmation if needed. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 norms.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Constraints:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mount Eden, CA
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a broader detection window, capturing drug use patterns over a much longer duration. This extended window offers superior detection accuracy, making it a smarter choice for employers and organizations in Mount Eden. Hair testing is harder to subvert than urine testing, boosting its reliability and trustworthiness.
Hair drug tests are less invasive and do not require special accommodations for sample collection. This eases the process for both the test administrators and those being tested. The robust accuracy of hair testing helps organizations enforce zero-tolerance policies effectively, ensuring a safer and more compliant workplace environment.
Extended Detection Window in Mount Eden, CA
Hair follicle tests extend the detection window for substance use up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive review of an individual’s drug use history. This is especially beneficial for employers who wish to evaluate the long-term substance behaviors of applicants or employees in Mount Eden.
The ability to assess drug use over an extended period offers a more detailed substance use profile, assisting in making more informed hiring or disciplinary decisions. This longer window of detection is unique to hair testing, setting it apart as a superior method over shorter detection methods like urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mount Eden, CA
Hair follicle testing represents a significant advancement in reducing the risk of sample tampering. Because samples are collected under observation and hair is less easily altered than urine, hair testing yields reliable, unquestionable results every time.
This robustness in tamper-resistance makes hair follicle testing ideal for situations demanding high integrity in drug testing. It lessens the chances of adulteration or substitution attempts, offering greater confidence in the results obtained from each test administered in Mount Eden.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mount Eden, CA
With numerous testing centers dispersed nationwide, including Mount Eden, our services ensure speedy and stress-free access to hair follicle testing. Numerous conveniently located facilities allow for seamless testing arrangements, whether for individual or organizational needs.
This network of testing locations simplifies the process of undertaking drug tests, allowing businesses and individuals to schedule tests without significant disruptions to their schedules. It guarantees that testing is accessible, practical, and straightforward.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mount Eden, CA
Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from a hair follicle drug test is straightforward and confidential. This process preserves privacy and simplicity, crucial aspects for all involved parties. In Mount Eden, our services prioritize safeguarding individuals' privacy, ensuring that the process is as comfortable and unobtrusive as possible.
Streamlining the testing process reduces apprehension and simplifies undertaking tests, aligning with professional and personal privacy standards. The secure handling of information also contributes to a stress-free testing experience, aligning with best practices.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mount Eden, CA
Our competitive pricing structures and fast turnaround times provide excellent value for organizations across different industries and sizes. Affordable hair follicle testing ensures broader access for employers in Mount Eden, allowing them to leverage accurate testing without financial strain.
The quick processing of hair follicle tests further enhances their appeal, delivering results promptly so that decisions can be made without unnecessary delay. This approach supports cost-efficient and decisive action, helping businesses maintain operational effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mount Eden, CA
Hair follicle drug testing offers exceptionally quick and precise detection of substance use. This testing method assures high accuracy, minimizing false positives and negatives. The precision and speed of hair analysis make it a preferred choice for employers and professionals requiring dependable results in Mount Eden.
Rapid turnaround times ensure that the results you need are delivered promptly, allowing for actionable steps to be taken without delay. This speed, coupled with accuracy, enhances the reliability of the hair follicle testing method over other traditional testing options.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mount Eden, CA
Hair follicle testing ensures strict compliance with workplace drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers in Mount Eden gain peace of mind knowing that they are utilizing a testing method that reliably supports substance abuse policy enforcement.
Hair tests provide conclusive evidence of drug use, assisting in maintaining a professional work environment. By selecting hair follicle testing, employers can assure stakeholders of their commitment to safety and compliance, fostering trust and reliability within their organizations.
