Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Piedmont, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is increasingly considered an effective resource for detecting substance use, both drug and alcohol. Hair fibers offer a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the hair shaft during growth. Obtaining hair samples from near the scalp can reveal drug and alcohol traces for up to roughly 3 months. Hair samples are easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.

A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to measure the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we are exclusively referring to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types such as facial and axillary hair.

Process Overview

The laboratory analysis of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample enters the laboratory system. This step confirms the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, allocates a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening offers a preliminary quick assessment for drug misuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method to identify drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal scenarios. Presumptive positive samples from the Screening stage necessitate further verification.

Presumptive positives identified in the Screening phase entail extracting more hair from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are separated from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most challenging technique to execute.

Any positive result from Screening proceeds to Confirmation, achieved through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples presumed positive are cleansed before Confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP Hair designation and the accreditation standards of ISO / IEC 17025.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection range: Hair drug screenings can reveal drug consumption for up to 90 days, contrasting with urine tests which have a more limited window.
• Hard to manipulate: Manipulating the outcome of a hair drug test is extremely challenging, thus enhancing reliability.
• Provides usage history: It can illustrate a pattern of substance use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot identify recent intake: Drugs typically become detectable in hair within 5-7 days.
• Cost: Hair drug screenings are usually pricier than other testing alternatives.
• Result variability: Variables like hair color and individual hair growth rates can influence the levels of drug metabolites found in hair.

Note: Though frequently termed "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the strand of hair, not the underlying follicle.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Piedmont, CA: Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. The longer detection period and reduced risk of manipulation make hair analysis a preferred choice for various entities seeking thorough and trustworthy substance assessments.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Piedmont, CA: Hair follicle testing allows the detection of drug use over a significant period, usually up to 90 days. This extended timeframe offers employers a detailed insight into an individual's substance history, aiding informed decision-making regarding potential hires or current employees.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Piedmont, CA: Hair follicle tests are inherently difficult to alter, significantly reducing the risk of sample tampering. This reliability ensures trustworthy results and diminishes doubts over test authenticity, making hair analysis a robust option.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Piedmont, CA: Accessible nationwide testing centers, including locally in Piedmont, make drug testing effortless. Our strategically placed facilities ensure quick, easy, and unobtrusive access to reliable testing services.
Efficient Service: Ensuring minimal disruption to personal or organizational schedules.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Piedmont, CA: Our process ensures ease and privacy, from ordering tests to receiving results. Individuals have clarity and confidence knowing their information remains protected while benefiting from an uncomplicated testing experience that respects their need for confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Piedmont, CA: Our competitive pricing models combined with quick processing times provide excellent value for businesses of any size. Clients experience reassurance knowing they are receiving quality results promptly without exceeding budget constraints.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Piedmont, CA, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. With a high precision rate, these tests swiftly detect substance use, providing confidence in test outcomes. Compared to traditional testing methods, hair analysis ensures timely and dependable identification of drug use patterns.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Piedmont, CA: Utilizing hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free policies, ensuring compliance and minimizing legal liabilities. This method enhances workplace safety and assures employers of adhering to regulatory standards confidently.

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