Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Paradise, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair analyses have emerged as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol intake. Hair retains a comprehensive record of these substances by preserving biomarkers within the growing hair fibers. When cut near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. It's easy to collect, has a low risk of tampering, and is straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch portion comprising about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil in diameter) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample for preliminary and confirmatory testing. For EtG additions and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equal amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically, while body hair refers to other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four foundational steps in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s systems. This encompasses ensuring the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody record.

Screening administers an initial swift assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug consumption in most samples, a positive finding must be validated to be legitimate in legal contexts. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary verification.

If a specimen appears presumptively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are drawn from hair at much finer concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), thus making hair drug analysis the most complicated method to execute.

Any positive screening outcome must be confirmed with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug tests can track drug consumption for as long as 90 days, in comparison to urine tests with a shorter detection span.
• Hard to manipulate: It's extremely hard to falsify a hair drug test, enabling more reliable results.
• Delivers usage history: It offers a pattern of drug usage over an extended timeframe, beyond just recent use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days for drugs to be noticeable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Result discrepancies: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence the amounts of drug metabolites in the hair.

Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand instead of the hair follicle underneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Paradise, CA centers on its superior detection capabilities.

• Tests cover a longer detection window of up to 90 days.
• Observational sample collection minimizes tampering risks.
• Greater reliability is attributed to its accuracy.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window offered by hair follicle testing in Paradise, CA gives an expansive view of substance use for up to 90 days.

• Employers can assess long-term habits of individuals.
• Facilitates a thorough understanding of one’s substance history.
• Aids in robust decision-making for employment and other assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Portraying Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Paradise, CA, hair follicle testing ensures authenticity and reliability.

• Reduces the likelihood of manipulated samples.
• Ensures results are compliant with testing standards.
• Reliable outcomes provide peace of mind.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Our Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations offer ease of access in Paradise, CA.

• Quick and efficient services are available locally and nationwide.
• Eliminates the hassle of finding a testing site.
• Assures timely and convenient service delivery.

Simple, Confidential Process

The Simple, Confidential Process of hair follicle testing in Paradise, CA prioritizes user comfort.

• Order, test, and receive results with ease.
• Privacy is maintained throughout the process.
• Streamlined procedures ensure participant comfort.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround underscore our offerings in Paradise, CA, tailored for businesses of all sizes.

• Competitive pricing structures mean great value.
• Quick turnaround times expedite decision-making.
• Cost-effectiveness paired with reliability.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The precision and speed of hair follicle testing make it a top choice in Paradise, CA. Fast and Reliable Results highlight why this testing method is favored.

• Accurate detection gives a clear picture of substance usage.
• Rapid results mean quicker decision-making.
• Enhanced accuracy reduces the chances of false positives.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

The use of hair follicle testing fosters Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Paradise, CA.

• Ensures adherence to workplace drug policies.
• Minimizes legal liabilities and risks.
• Promotes a safe and secure working environment.

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