Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can present up to a roughly 3-month detection duration for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to adulteration, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test sample: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the foundational processing of a sample within a lab's framework. This step involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out any additional data entry not encompassed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests as potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn from hair in lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is the most intricate methodology to apply.
Positive screening results are verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed to be positive are washed as necessary before confirmation. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Wins in Pine Grove, CA
While urine tests are common, hair follicle testing offers better detection accuracy. By providing a longer detection period, it captures substance use patterns more fully, unmatched by urine tests.
Employers in Pine Grove benefit from the reliability of hair testing, as it reduces false negatives, providing confidence in hiring decisions.
Extended Detection Capabilities in Pine Grove, CA
Hair follicle testing stands out by tracing drug usage over 90 days. This extended window offers employers a more comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
Unlike urine tests, which cover shorter periods, hair testing offers insights into chronic substance use, valuable for informed decisions in the workplace.
Secure Your Testing with Hair Follicle
In Pine Grove, CA, the robustness of hair follicle testing significantly reduces sample tampering risks. This enhances the reliability of the results provided.
With its observably collected process, the hair test mitigates adulteration, offering trustworthy and uncontaminated samples every time.
Convenient Access in Pine Grove, CA
Accredited Drug Testing centers nationwide guarantee hassle-free access. In Pine Grove, CA, this local presence ensures fast, simple access to needed test services.
With our expansive network, getting tested is a seamless process, reducing downtime and facilitating smoother operations.
Simplifying the Testing Process
In Pine Grove, CA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From order to results, we prioritize privacy and ease of access.
Acquiring results is a streamlined experience, addressing privacy concerns with utmost care and maintaining procedure simplicity throughout.
Cost-effective and Quick
Affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround defines our hair follicle testing services in Pine Grove, CA. Offering competitive costs without compromising quality.
Our services provide significant value, ensuring that organizations of all sizes can confidently invest in drug testing measures.
In Pine Grove, CA, hair follicle tests excel in delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision is unmatched, ensuring a dependable assessment of substance use.
Hair follicle drug tests offer high accuracy, catching drug use missed by other methods. The speed at which results are obtained enhances decision-making processes, critical for employers and professionals.
Ensuring Compliance and Assurance for Employers
Using hair follicle testing in Pine Grove, CA, helps enforce drug-free workplace policies. This approach reduces legal liabilities and promotes a safer work environment.
Peace of mind comes from knowing that comprehensive testing deters drug use, aligning with organizational safety standards.
