Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it offers about a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab procedure for processing drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This step ensures that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entry not covered by an electronic custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary inspection for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive findings need confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples that are initially positive in Screening require a secondary verification.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted at a much lower concentration from hair compared to methods like urine or oral fluid testing, making hair drug screening more challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently misnamed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pedley, CA emerges from its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle assessments present a broader detection window and are less prone to tampering. Consequently, this testing method offers a more thorough evaluation of substance use, ensuring that evaluations are both accurate and trustworthy.
The Extended Detection Window in Pedley, CA provided by hair follicle testing allows for the detection of drug use over a significantly longer span, up to 90 days. This extended window offers an in-depth perspective on an individual's substance use history, making it indispensable for employers seeking insights into potential hires or existing employees' substance practices.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pedley, CA signifies a valuable attribute of hair follicle drug tests. The structure significantly curtails the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring dependable and indisputable outcomes. This trustworthy approach guarantees stakeholder confidence, reinforcing credibility by delivering honest and unalterable screening results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and local centers in Pedley, CA, enhance accessibility by providing quick, easy, and hassle-free testing services. Nationwide centers ensure seamless interaction for clients, offering the flexibility needed to align testing procedures with individual and organizational demands effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pedley, CA, ensures that ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and protects privacy. The confidential nature of the procedure alleviates apprehension regarding data handling, giving users confidence in a discreet and efficient testing experience that respects personal privacy considerations.
Offering Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pedley, CA, reinforces the competitive essence of our services. Cost-effective pricing structures coupled with swift processing periods provide exceptional value. This approach ensures companies of any size benefit from reliable testing without compromising on quality or budgetary expectations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pedley, CA, highlight the prowess of hair follicle tests in swiftly detecting substance use. Their precision ensures high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for comprehensive assessments. Quick results further emphasize the method's efficiency, showcasing its effectiveness in providing timely information crucial for decision-making processes.
Implementing hair follicle testing assures Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pedley, CA. Such practices strengthen adherence to drug-free work policies, thereby minimizing legal liabilities and enhancing workplace safety. This compliance ensures that organizations uphold a secure and productive environment, benefitting employers and employees alike.
