Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying substance use. Hair captures long-lasting evidence of drug and alcohol consumption by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand fibers. When obtained near the scalp, this can reveal substance usage for up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch lock of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG tests, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is absent, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Note that "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages of lab processing for drug testing results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the intial intake of a sample into the laboratory framework. This step involves checking the integrity and shipment of the sample, assigning a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling out any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial examination for drug traces. Although Screening is economical for excluding drug use in many cases, positive screens must be confirmed for legal validity. Any samples that test positively in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positively during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other tests (e.g., urine or saliva), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
The Confirmation step of any positive Screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, every presumptive positive sample is cleaned as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the College of American Pathologists' Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being known as "hair follicle tests," the method examines the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests in Nipinnawasee, CA, the advantages become clear. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, extending their detection window to up to 90 days as opposed to the shorter window of urine tests. This extended detection period provides employers with a more thorough assessment of an individual's substance use habits.
In Nipinnawasee, CA, the extended detection window provided by hair follicle testing makes it an invaluable tool for employers. With the ability to track substance use up to 90 days, hair tests offer a comprehensive view of an employee's drug consumption history. This approach ensures that employers can make informed decisions regarding their workforce's health and compliance with drug policies.
Hair follicle testing in Nipinnawasee, CA, offers a tamper-resistant testing method that greatly reduces the risk of adulteration. This method is nearly impossible to cheat, providing reliable and unquestionable results. Employers and legal systems can trust the integrity of hair tests, ensuring that the outcomes accurately reflect an individual's substance use without interference.
With convenient nationwide testing locations at their disposal, including Nipinnawasee, CA, clients benefit from easy access to Accredited Drug Testing services. Our local and national centers ensure swift and hassle-free testing experiences, supporting the need for speed and convenience without compromising on the quality of service.
In Nipinnawasee, CA, the simple, confidential process of hair follicle testing addresses privacy and ease-of-use concerns. From ordering to testing and receiving results, the procedure is designed to be straightforward and secure, ensuring that clients feel comfortable and protected throughout the entire experience.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Nipinnawasee, CA, provides excellent value for businesses of any size. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies can access timely, accurate results without financial strain, underscoring our commitment to customer satisfaction and efficiency.
In Nipinnawasee, CA, hair follicle testing excels in providing fast, accurate, and reliable results. With its high precision in detecting substance use, this method offers a level of accuracy that surpasses traditional testing methods. This precision is essential for employers seeking dependable proof of an individual's substance use history, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Employers in Nipinnawasee, CA, gain peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing, which ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety. By relying on hair tests, employers can maintain a secure and compliant environment, aligning with industry standards for employee health and safety.
