Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an efficient mechanism for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair strands offer an extended snapshot of drug and alcohol consumption by capturing biomarkers within the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather hair samples, resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal amount for preliminary testing and validation. For EtG evaluations, additional assessments, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is deficient, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. Our mention of head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Other hair types (face, armpits, etc.) are termed body hair.
Process Overview
The four primary phases in a lab's drug test result processing are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially incorporated into the lab system. This phase ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data input omitted by the electronic custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary, expeditious review for illicit substances. Screening serves as a budget-friendly strategy to exclude drug usage in most samples; however, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for court acceptability. Samples preliminarily positive in Screening need secondary confirmation.
If Screening suggests positivity, additional hair is extracted from the sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drug extraction from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (like urine or saliva), making hair drug screening particularly challenging to perform.
Positive screenings undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as needed. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Pinon Hills, CA, is inherently superior to traditional urine tests due to its ability to extend detection of substance use over a longer period. While urine tests are limited to recent use, hair testing offers a more robust and comprehensive picture of an individual's drug history. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests eliminate discrepancies, making them less susceptible to falsification compared to conventional urine testing methods.
Hair follicle testing in Pinon Hills, CA, stands out for its extended detection window, identifying drug use over an impressive 90-day period. This allows employers to gain a full understanding of a candidate's or employee's drug use history. Unlike shorter-window tests like urinalysis, hair testing is not constrained to recent usage, offering a significantly more comprehensive view of an individual's substance habits.
In Pinon Hills, CA, hair follicle testing is valued for its tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing adulteration risks. The collection process is carefully monitored, making it exceedingly difficult to tamper with or alter results. This integrity in testing ensures reliable outcomes, providing unquestionable evidence that upholds workplace safety and policy adherence.
Our extensive network of testing facilities, including local options in Pinon Hills, CA, ensures easy access to our services. Nationwide locations mean prompt and hassle-free hair testing availability. This accessibility allows both individuals and businesses to engage in efficient, time-sensitive screening processes without the inconvenience of long-distance travel for test administration.
Our hair follicle testing process in Pinon Hills, CA, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step ensures privacy and simplicity. Clients can navigate the testing process with ease, assured that their data remains secure while benefiting from an approachable, user-friendly experience.
In Pinon Hills, CA, our hair follicle testing services provide competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering value to businesses of any size. Companies benefit from reliable results without enduring long waits, all at prices that maintain budgetary efficiency. This affordability ensures companies can implement comprehensive testing while optimizing resources.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Pinon Hills, CA, make them a preferred choice for those seeking fast and accurate substance detection. Their accuracy surpasses traditional testing methods, providing reliable insights into drug use histories. These tests capture even small traces of drug metabolites within hair strands, minimizing the chance of missed detections and ensuring thorough and timely results.
Hair follicle testing in Pinon Hills, CA, provides employers peace of mind by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This testing method minimizes legal exposure while enhancing workplace safety and compliance. Employers can confidently rely on the accuracy of results, promoting a secured work environment with enforced zero-tolerance measures against drug use.