Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can offer detection for up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an optimal amount for testing purposes. For EtG, add-ons, or when testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for precise measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be utilized. "Head hair" corresponds to scalp hair exclusively, whereas "body hair" applies to any other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The procedure for lab testing of a drug sample consists of four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s workflow. It involves confirming that the specimen was properly sealed and transported, generating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any required data entry supplementary to an electronic tracking system.
Screening serves as a preliminary evaluation to detect drug abuse. Although Screening is an affordable way to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be legally defensible. Any samples with potential positive results from Screening need further verification.
When a specimen shows potential positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. This phase extracts substances from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing highly complex.
Confirmation of positive findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab testing process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, though the test actually examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Palo Verde, CA - Hair testing stands superior to urine tests due to its unparalleled detection accuracy and reliability. While traditional urine tests may suffice for recent usage, hair tests offer an extended detection window, revealing substance use history going up to 90 days.
This superior capability makes hair testing the preferred choice for employers and entities wanting not only immediate but historical substance use insights, enhancing workplace safety and compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Palo Verde, CA - Hair follicle tests provide detection for drug use over much longer periods, typically up to 90 days. This extended window is invaluable for employers seeking comprehensive substance histories of job applicants or current employees.
Such thorough insight helps companies better comprehend potential hires' long-term substance behavior, drastically enhancing their recruitment and monitoring processes, ensuring a drug-free work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Palo Verde, CA - One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing is its resistance to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated, hair tests are tough to manipulate, guaranteeing the credibility and authenticity of results.
This reliability results from the innate strength of the test, empowering employers and authorities to trust the outcomes without the risk of deceptive practices compromising integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Palo Verde, CA - Our numerous testing centers across the nation make accessing our services a breeze. This expansion guarantees quick, effortless, and straightforward testing services, ensuring minimal disruption to individual or business routines.
The local presence in Palo Verde assures community members of swift and easy access to necessary drug testing, thus supporting efficient substance monitoring and workplace safety measures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Palo Verde, CA - The process for ordering, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. This ensures individuals feel secure knowing their privacy concerns are respected.
Our seamless approach means test-takers experience minimal inconvenience, safeguarding personal information while facilitating a smooth testing journey that prioritizes user confidentiality and simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Palo Verde, CA - Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times offer excellent value for businesses, regardless of their size. Companies benefit from affordable testing solutions backed by quick result delivery.
This ensures peace of mind and budget-friendly options for businesses, enhancing their ability to swiftly and efficiently uphold drug-free policies without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Palo Verde, CA - Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision in detecting substance use. Their methodical approach ensures high accuracy, making them a dependable choice for employers and organizations dedicated to maintaining a drug-free environment.
The testing process in Palo Verde stands out for delivering quick results without compromising accuracy. This efficiency facilitates timely decision-making, offering a significant advantage over other drug testing methods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Palo Verde, CA - By utilizing hair follicle testing, employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance.
This method assists organizations in maintaining a safer work environment, providing peace of mind to employers by ensuring thorough and reliable testing methods uphold internal regulations and safety standards.
