Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures long-term data regarding alcohol and drug intake by encasing biomarkers within its growing strands. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to 90 days for alcohol and drug presence. The process of hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests requiring more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It’s beneficial to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not obtainable, a similar amount of body hair may be sourced. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation are the core procedures in the lab processing of drug test outcomes.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample entry into a lab’s system. This step involves ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn’t covered.
Screening is an initial assessment to detect drugs of abuse. Although cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should Screening show a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower levels than in other testing methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to perform.
Confirmation for any presumptive positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes a washing process prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: It’s often called "hair follicle tests", but the actual test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Nipomo, CA, hair follicle testing offers clear advantages over traditional urine tests by providing enhanced detection accuracy. Hair testing is less susceptible to manipulation and delivers more reliable results, ensuring a fair assessment of individuals.
Unlike urine tests, which have a limited detection window, hair tests excel in identifying long-term substance use. This extended detection capability makes them particularly valuable for employers keen on maintaining a drug-free environment.
With a detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Nipomo, CA, offers a broad perspective on substance use. This capability is crucial for employers who require a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history.
Hair testing's extended detection period provides insights into an employee's or applicant's substance habits, empowering employers to make informed decisions regarding hiring and maintenance of workplace safety.
Hair follicle tests in Nipomo, CA, are designed to minimize the risk of tampering, providing trustworthy results. The testing process limits the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring integrity and reliability of the results.
This tamper-resistant methodology promotes confidence in the testing process, offering stakeholders peace of mind regarding the authenticity and validity of the outcomes.
Our extensive network of testing centers, including local options in Nipomo, CA, ensures convenient access to drug testing services. Nationwide locations facilitate a seamless experience for individuals and organizations seeking reliable hair follicle tests.
The accessibility of our centers reduces the hassle associated with testing, offering a straightforward process that accommodates the needs of our clients without unnecessary travel or delays.
The process for hair follicle testing in Nipomo, CA, prioritizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, each step is streamlined to protect privacy and ensure ease of use for all participants.
Concerns about the sensitivity of the testing process are alleviated by our strict confidentiality protocols, ensuring that personal information is handled with care and discretion.
Our hair follicle testing services in Nipomo, CA, are not only efficient but also cost-effective, offering competitive pricing that appeals to businesses of all sizes. Fast turnaround times further enhance the value proposition.
Clients benefit from the combination of affordability and rapid results, ensuring that testing does not disrupt operations or budgets while providing the necessary insights for decision-making.
The efficiency and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests in Nipomo, CA, are unmatched, delivering prompt and reliable results. These tests are designed to provide a precise analysis of substance use, making them a preferred choice over traditional methods.
The high level of precision in hair testing ensures that even minimal substance use is detected accurately. Results are delivered swiftly, minimizing waiting periods and allowing for timely decisions based on the findings.
Hair follicle testing in Nipomo, CA, offers employers assurance of compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This strategic choice not only reduces legal risks but also fosters a safer and more secure work environment.
Employers benefit from peace of mind, knowing that compliance is maintained through a method known for its precision and reliability, supporting a culture of safety and accountability.
