Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Newark, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is considered a robust means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by enclosing biomarkers within the fibers of the emerging hair strand. When cut near to the scalp, hair can offer about a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample for screening and validation. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar amount of body hair might be gathered. When citing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory procedure for a drug test result consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This involves ensuring the sample was securely sealed and dispatched, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any extra data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers an initial swift evaluation for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If a sample tests preliminarily positive during Screening, additional hair is withdrawn from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a considerably lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is among the most complex methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All preliminary positive samples are washed before the confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug analyses can detect drug use up to 90 days, while urine tests offer a shorter detection duration.
• Hard to compromise: It's challenging to dodge a hair drug test, leading to more precise results.
• Supplies historical insight: It demonstrates a trend of drug use over a duration, rather than merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to detect recent consumption: Drugs take roughly 5-7 days to become detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically incur higher costs than other testing methods.
• Variability in outcomes: Elements such as hair hue and personal differences in hair growth can influence the drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the examination itself inspects the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to urine testing in Newark, CA, a distinct advantage is detection reliability. Hair tests surpass traditional urine methods in accurately identifying drug use over longer periods, making them more effective for employers seeking comprehensive screening.

Extended Detection Window

Newark, CA benefits from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which can uncover substance use history up to 90 days. This capability offers employers a thorough understanding of an individual's past drug use, aiding in informed decision-making.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Newark, CA offers an edge over other drug testing methods. By minimizing the potential for sample adulteration, this method guarantees dependable and trustworthy results for all involved parties.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The availability of convenient nationwide testing centers in Newark, CA simplifies the process. With numerous locations, individuals can easily access required testing services, enjoying a seamless and efficient experience every step of the way.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Newark, CA, the process is simple and confidential for hair follicle testing. Ordering, completing the test, and receiving results are straightforward, with privacy concerns addressed effectively, ensuring ease of access and discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

With affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Newark, CA, hair follicle testing delivers significant value. Competitive rates and quick results make this option attractive for companies of various sizes, catering to budget-friendly and timely needs.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Newark, CA provides fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes. These tests offer better precision in identifying substance use, delivering swift and dependable results when compared to other methods, ensuring employers and individuals have confidence in the findings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Newark, CA gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. This method upholds drug-free workplace policies, mitigates legal risks, and promotes a safer working environment by ensuring adherence to established guidelines.

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