Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of its developing strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers up to a roughly three-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG or higher panel tests, 150mg of the sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is advised. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent portion of body hair can be collected. Reference to head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. It involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addressing any additional data entry not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary check for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to discount drug usage in most samples, positive screens must be verified to be legally accepted. Samples that are tentatively positive during Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is tentatively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are drawn from the hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly mistaken as "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rancho Mirage, CA
Hair follicle testing offers advantages that traditional urine tests cannot match, particularly in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Employers and professionals in Rancho Mirage rely on hair testing as it's more difficult to cheat compared to urine tests, ensuring authentic, dependable results that uphold high standards of drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Rancho Mirage, CA
With the capability to reveal drug use over a 90-day period, hair follicle testing offers employers in Rancho Mirage an extended analysis of substance history. This prolonged detection window facilitates a comprehensive understanding of employee behaviors, thus enhancing the assessment of long-term drug use patterns and upholding workplace integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rancho Mirage, CA
The hair follicle test is notably resistant to tampering, which drastically reduces the potential for sample adulteration. In Rancho Mirage, this method is praised for ensuring reliable and trustworthy results, making it a preferred choice for those seeking incontestable drug test outcomes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rancho Mirage, CA
Our network of Nationwide testing centers ensures that individuals in Rancho Mirage have easy access to testing services. This widespread availability simplifies the testing process, providing a convenient and hassle-free approach to obtaining vital drug test results efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rancho Mirage, CA
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and designed to respect privacy. In Rancho Mirage, this simple and confidential procedure alleviates concerns regarding privacy and the complexity of testing, promoting ease of use for all individuals involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rancho Mirage, CA
Offering competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in Rancho Mirage provide excellent value for organizations of all sizes. These efficient services guarantee that businesses can access crucial data swiftly, ensuring financial prudence is coupled with rapid results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rancho Mirage, CA
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and swiftness in detecting substance use. In Rancho Mirage, these tests are trusted for their high accuracy rates, providing both comprehensive and quick insights into an individual's consumption history. Their ability to promptly deliver reliable results ensures critical decisions are supported by dependable data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rancho Mirage, CA
Adopting hair follicle testing in Rancho Mirage aligns businesses with drug-free workplace regulations, mitigating legal risks. Employers benefit from the peace of mind knowing their workforce adheres to safety policies, reducing the likelihood of workplace incidents and fostering a secure, compliant work environment.
