Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means of identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a record of long-term drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period extending up to about three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to alter, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to verify the specimen weight using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab entails four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of entering a sample into a laboratory’s system, which involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, positive results require confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are desorbed from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which renders hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if required. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Prunedale, CA, hair follicle testing is celebrated for its superior detection capabilities over conventional urine tests. Offering more reliable results, hair tests provide enhanced detection accuracy, making them highly beneficial for those seeking dependable drug screening methods.
The advantages of hair testing become evident when compared to urine tests. Not only does it offer a broader detection window, but it also provides a more robust and tamper-resistant screening, helping organizations maintain stringent drug-free policies.
In Prunedale, CA, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing is highly valued, with the ability to identify drug usage over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This approach empowers employers with a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history.
The long detection timeline featured in hair tests offers an invaluable advantage, capturing a more extended snapshot of an individual's habits and facilitating informed decision-making for employers and organizations alike.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing in Prunedale, CA substantially diminishes the potential for sample manipulation. This results in outcomes that can be trusted implicitly, providing stakeholders with assuredness in the integrity of the tests conducted.
The reliability of hair follicle tests stems from their inherent resistance to adulteration, ensuring that the results are not compromised and reflect an accurate account of drug use history.
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing locations, including in Prunedale, CA. Our centers ensure a streamlined and efficient process for drug testing, bringing ease and quick access to comprehensive services wherever you are.
With local testing venues available in Prunedale, the testing facilities offer a seamless experience, emphasizing ready accessibility and minimal interruption to daily activities while guaranteeing reliable drug testing solutions.
Residents of Prunedale, CA can benefit from the simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing offered by Accredited Drug Testing. The streamlined steps from ordering to receiving results assure privacy and ease, addressing concerns with clarity and confidence.
The testing process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring individuals can navigate testing requirements smoothly while maintaining the utmost confidentiality and providing a stress-free experience.
In Prunedale, CA, our pricing for hair follicle testing is competitively structured to offer affordability without compromising on the value of quick and trustworthy results. This ensures companies of all sizes receive excellent service and results at cost-effective rates.
The fast turnaround times paired with economical pricing make hair testing in Prunedale an attractive choice for businesses aiming for thoroughness and reliability in their drug screening initiatives while keeping costs in check.
Hair follicle drug testing in Prunedale, CA is unmatched in its precision and speed. The ability to detect substance use accurately makes it an exceptional choice for those needing insightful analysis, offering quick and reliable results that are trustworthy for both employers and individuals.
The efficiency of the process ensures that results are obtained swiftly and accurately. The accuracy of a hair follicle test stands as a benchmark in drug testing, greatly aiding in the identification of substance use patterns effectively and reliably.
Employers in Prunedale, CA find peace of mind in using hair follicle testing to enforce drug-free workplace policies. The process supports compliance, minimizes legal liabilities, and promotes a safe working environment for all employees.
With hair testing, employers benefit from enhanced compliance with drug policies, fostering a culture of safety and trust while safeguarding against legal complications associated with workplace drug use.
