Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. It captures a long-term record by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A sample size of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. We suggest weighing the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The key phases in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's initial incorporation into the lab’s systems. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most cases, positive screens require confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples preliminarily positive during Screening need further confirmation.
Presumptively positive samples in Screening involve extracting more hair from the initial specimen for Extraction. This stage is characterized by extracting drugs at much lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluids, which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screenings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mistaken as "hair follicle tests," the examination assesses the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Orleans, CA, offers unmatched advantages over urine tests. With an extended detection period of up to 90 days, hair tests provide a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use. In contrast, urine tests are limited by a shorter detection window, often complicating the assessment of an individual's substance history.
The reliability of hair tests is further enhanced by their resistance to tampering, a common issue with urine tests. Thus, hair testing stands as a more robust and foolproof method, making it preferable for employers demanding stringent screening.
Employers in Orleans, CA, increasingly turn to hair follicle testing due to its extensive detection window. Hair tests can track drug use over a 90-day period, offering a thorough overview of a person's substance use history. This removes uncertainty regarding recent substance use, enabling more informed decisions.
By opting for hair testing, employers obtain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's past drug habits. This extended period is indispensable for maintaining high standards in the workplace.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Orleans, CA, is a key advantage. Unlike other methods, hair testing is harder to manipulate, providing results that employers can trust. This integrity is critical for organizations that prioritize accurate substance testing.
Sample adulteration is virtually impossible with hair tests, meaning results reflect the true substance history of the individual. This offers employers unwavering confidence in their personnel's evaluations.
In Orleans, CA, the availability of hair follicle testing is made convenient with numerous nationwide centers. This expansive network ensures easy access to testing services, making the process quick and hassle-free for all individuals seeking testing.
This convenience extends even to local residents, ensuring that everyone can access the testing they need without unnecessary delays, promoting efficiency and reliability.
In Orleans, CA, hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. The process, from ordering to obtaining results, is designed to be simple, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining user-friendliness.
The emphasis on confidentiality ensures users feel secure throughout the testing journey, with results delivered promptly and discreetly, aligning with the high standards expected in modern drug testing.
Orleans, CA, benefits from competitive pricing and rapid turnaround in hair follicle testing. These advantages offer exceptional value, especially for companies of differing sizes seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
The combination of affordability and quick results ensures that businesses not only save money but also gain swift insights into their employees' or applicants' substance use, enhancing the decision-making process.
In Orleans, CA, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its speed and reliability. This method not only provides fast results but also ensures a high accuracy rate in detecting substance use. The precision of hair tests far surpasses traditional methods, making them a preferred option for those needing quick and dependable outcomes.
Hair follicle tests effectively screen for drug use from a much longer timeframe. In Orleans, CA, this extended detection window gives employers confidence in the test's ability to deliver reliable data about an individual's substance history, enhancing their decision-making processes.
Adopting hair follicle tests in Orleans, CA, bolsters workplace compliance with drug-free policies. This method provides peace of mind for employers by minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing safety in the professional environment.
By ensuring thorough and accurate testing, hair follicle exams support companies in maintaining rigorous standards, aligning with industry best practices for workplace substance policies.
