Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a roughly 3-month timeline for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, quite hard to tamper with, and effortless to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When specifying head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in the lab includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is entered into the lab’s system. This step involves verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary inspection for potential substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive indication necessitates validation for legal proceedings. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this process, substances are extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive findings from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, any samples with presumptive positive results are cleaned as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Portola, CA
The superiority of hair follicle testing over traditional urine testing lies in its enhanced detection capabilities. By examining hair samples, one can identify drug usage within a longer window, often stretching back months. This allows employers a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use patterns. Additionally, hair tests are less susceptible to tampering, providing an added layer of reliability.
The accuracy and durability of detection with hair tests make them a preferable choice for environments prioritizing precision. Where traditional urine tests may falter or present logistical challenges, hair tests stand firm. Opting for hair analysis, especially in work settings, translates to enhanced safety and policy compliance.
Extended Detection Window in Portola, CA
Hair follicle testing excels through its extended detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This prolonged timeframe provides unmatched insight into an individual's drug use history, offering a more holistic view compared to other testing methods. For employers and organizations, this means being equipped with comprehensive data on an applicant or employee’s past endeavors with substance use.
Employers gain an advantageous edge, understanding not just the immediate past but a significant span of behavior related to substance intake. This advantage ensures informed decision-making processes, guarding workplace integrity and safety comprehensively.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Portola, CA
Hair follicle tests are remarkably tamper-resistant, underscoring their reliability. These tests make it significantly difficult to alter or falsify results, offering businesses security in test outcomes. The robust methodology employed means that the results delivered remain authentic, ensuring trust in whatever decision-making processes follow.
The integrity of hair testing lies in secure collection protocols which ensure samples remain uncompromised. As fraud concerns grow within drug testing in various regions, choosing a dependable method like hair tests becomes crucial, providing peace of mind and ensuring actionable intelligence.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Portola, CA
Our nationwide network of testing centers ensures accessibility and convenience. Regardless of your location, including Portola, CA, we facilitate an efficient, hassle-free process. This breadth ensures your organization and individual testing needs are met with expedience, optimizing time and effort.
The vast array of testing points guarantees swiftly scheduled tests, reducing wait times, and fulfilling requirements promptly. This strategic distribution of testing sites provides unparalleled accessibility, empowering both individuals and companies to receive instantaneous, effective service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Portola, CA
The simplicity and confidentiality of our testing process assure clients of a smooth experience. From ordering to test execution and receiving results, every step is designed to preserve privacy. Equipping clients with this assurance not only respects personal data but builds trust in every interaction.
Ease of use is prioritized, ensuring that the intricate details of testing never become a barrier. This respectful approach towards client privacy aligns with best practice standards and supports seamless testing facilitation without any compromises on discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Portola, CA
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with swift turnaround times position our services as a valuable asset for companies of various sizes. By balancing cost-efficient solutions with speed, we deliver results that represent both reliability and economic feasibility.
Fast processing options reduce wait times, an essential benefit for clients navigating time-sensitive scenarios. Representing a blend of affordability and promptitude, our services ensure high satisfaction irrespective of the scale of the organization, empowering decision-making with timely updates.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Portola, CA
Hair follicle drug tests guarantee swift, accurate results, offering unparalleled precision. The advanced detection mechanism allows these tests to identify substance use efficiently, presenting results that stakeholders can trust. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology ensures that the results provided are not only timely but also reflect the highest degree of reliability, advantageous for both individuals and organizations.
Equipped with cutting-edge testing facilities, our centers ensure results are processed without unnecessary delays. This speed and accuracy are crucial, providing the assurance needed for decision-making. Hair follicle testing stands out as an invaluable tool especially when rapid decisions and reliable data for substance use detection are imperative.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Portola, CA
Utilizing hair follicle tests helps employers comply with workplace drug-free policies seamlessly. Their reliability reduces legal risks associated with drug policy breaches while simultaneously heightening workplace safety. These tests assure employers of adherence to regulations while safeguarding the collective wellbeing of all employees.
Offering comprehensive results, hair testing minimizes potential disputes and uncertainties. Peace of mind isn’t merely a state but a benefit realized as comprehensive compliance ensures safer work environments, ultimately fostering a culture rooted in trust and transparency.
