Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair carries a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by holding onto biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of nearly three months for both alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a proportional quantity of body hair could be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing within a lab's system. This phase ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) is given, and any additional information not input via an electronic chain of custody system is completed.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Despite Screening being an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be court-acceptable. Samples that are presumably positive during Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample indicate a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, further hair is obtained from the initial sample for Preparation for Extraction. During this step, drugs are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive Screen outcomes occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis inspects the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
The advantages of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests in Parkfield, CA are significant. Hair tests offer a superior detection window, able to reveal drug use over a longer span compared to urine tests. This makes them more reliable for employers seeking comprehensive substance use insight, providing a more thorough understanding of an individual's history.
In Parkfield, CA, hair follicle testing extends drug detection up to 90 days, offering a far longer period than urine tests. This prolonged detection window is invaluable, enabling employers to accurately assess an applicant or employee's long-term drug use history, ensuring informed decision-making based on comprehensive data.
Hair follicle tests in Parkfield, CA stand out as tamper-resistant, significantly reducing the chance of adulterating samples. This reliability ensures trustworthy and unbiased results, minimizing manipulation concerns and providing sound assurance for all stakeholders relying on accurate drug use data.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient locations for hair follicle testing throughout Parkfield, CA, and beyond. With our extensive nationwide network, access to testing services is seamless and efficient. Clients can expect a hassle-free experience, with locally available centers ensuring quick testing.
Our process for hair follicle testing in Parkfield, CA, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to collecting samples and obtaining results, we ensure privacy and ease at every step. This simplifies the experience for clients, guaranteeing that their information is kept secure and accessible.
In Parkfield, CA, cost-effective pricing is coupled with swift turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates offer businesses of all sizes maximum value, while prompt results provide necessary information quickly, supporting decision-making processes without breaking the bank.
Fast, accurate results are a hallmark of hair drug tests in Parkfield, CA. The reliability of this method ensures precision in detecting substance use. The high accuracy rate makes it advantageous for those seeking trustworthy outcomes. This testing method quickly identifies drug use, offering the assurance needed when results are critical.
Employers in Parkfield, CA, can ensure peace of mind by implementing hair follicle tests to adhere to drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal hazards and elevates workplace safety. By complying with such regulations, organizations maintain credibility and promote a safer work environment.
