Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a capable means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair maintains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by ensnaring biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can offer a detection range of roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to send.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested that the sample be measured on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is entered into the lab’s system. This process includes ensuring proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry that isn’t automatically provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and set up for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than methods like urine or oral fluid, which accounts for the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is administered through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. Every phase from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly mentioned as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in several critical areas. In Mount Laguna, CA, the extended detection window provided by hair tests offers a comprehensive look at an individual's substance use over three months. Their accuracy outshines urine tests, minimizing the possibility of false negatives and ensuring reliable assessments. Employers can trust hair tests to uphold stringent drug-free workplace policies.
Hair follicle drug testing provides an unparalleled detection window of up to 90 days, setting it apart from other methods. This extensive timeframe in Mount Laguna, CA, allows employers to gain a broad view of a candidate or employee's past substance use. Hair testing offers a thorough understanding of an individual's history, aiding in informed decision-making and ensuring a safer workplace environment.
In Mount Laguna, CA, hair follicle testing is acknowledged for its resistance to tampering. This testing method significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, offering assurance in the results' reliability. The integrity of hair samples prevents cheating, providing a trustworthy drug testing solution and confidence in the outcome of each test conducted.
With numerous testing centers across the nation and local options in Mount Laguna, CA, accessing hair follicle testing services is both convenient and easy. Our widespread locations ensure that individuals and businesses can quickly obtain the necessary testing services without hassle. The availability of local centers underscores our commitment to accessibility and customer satisfaction.
In Mount Laguna, CA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and respectful of privacy. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the procedure is designed to be user-friendly and confidential. We prioritize the security of individuals' information, ensuring a seamless experience free from unnecessary complexity and stress.
Mount Laguna, CA, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our cost-effective structures ensure great value without compromising quality. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our swift processing times, gaining assurance and insight promptly, making hair testing a smart investment in workplace safety.
In Mount Laguna, CA, hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision. This method guarantees rapid processing times and high accuracy in identifying substance consumption. The swift results furnish dependable insights into an individual's drug history, assisting employers and authorities in making informed decisions. With hair follicle tests, accuracy and quick results are synonymous.
Employers in Mount Laguna, CA, benefit from the peace of mind that hair follicle testing delivers. By ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace regulations, this method mitigates legal risks and enhances safety. Implementing hair tests helps preserve workplace integrity, fostering a secure, compliant environment where employees are held to high standards.
