Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have emerged as a formidable means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lasting timeline of drugs by embedding biomarkers within its strands as they grow. Hair collected near the scalp can reveal alcohol and other drugs over a roughly 3-month timeframe. It is uncomplicated to acquire, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hairs (equal to a #2 pencil in width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for both screening and validating tests. For EtG, additional services, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" implies only scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key procedures executed in the lab for a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is processed as it enters the laboratory system. This involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any missing data not already captured by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening economically excludes drug use for most samples, a detected positive must be confirmed to be valid legally. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing notably complex.
Any positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", this examination actually focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage over urine testing by offering a longer detection period. While urine tests detect substance use within a short timeframe, hair tests reveal drug use history over months. Their precision and lower chance of tampering ensure trustworthy results, enhancing their appeal over traditional methods.
The comprehensive nature of hair testing enables employers and authorities to make better-informed decisions by providing in-depth insights into an individual's substance use habits.
Extended Detection Window in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Hair follicle testing showcases its strength in its ability to trace drug usage for up to 90 days. For employers, this extended detection window provides a thorough overview of an employee's or candidate’s history. Such insight surpasses other testing methods, offering a comprehensive snapshot of one’s substance use over time.
The extended window of detection is ideal for organizations requiring more historical data on substance abuse, ultimately aiding in creating safer work environments.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Hair follicle drug tests significantly curtail the risk of sample adulteration. By using a process resistant to manipulation, these tests ensure that results remain reliable and authentic. Employers and organizations benefit greatly from the security and integrity of hair testing methods.
Sample tampering has always posed a serious challenge in drug testing, but hair follicle analysis provides a robust defense against such issues, offering peace of mind with its reliability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing services with numerous nationwide centers, including those in Rancho Santa Fe. The expansive network allows individuals and companies quick and efficient entry to drug testing services, ensuring the process is stress-free.
This extensive reach and local availability make securing and undergoing required testing in a timely manner easily achievable.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Our testing process in Rancho Santa Fe is designed to be straightforward and discreet from start to finish. Clients can order and take tests confidently, knowing privacy is prioritized. The receipt of results is handled with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring a worry-free experience.
This simple approach addresses common concerns around ease of access and discretion, fostering trust in hair follicle testing methods.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our services cater to companies of any size, ensuring they're getting the best value. Clients in Rancho Santa Fe can rely on us for prompt and cost-effective testing, knowing they receive excellent service without delays.
Our efficient process, aligned with attractive pricing, supports organizations’ drug testing needs without breaking their budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
The precision of hair follicle drug tests in Rancho Santa Fe ensures reliable detection of substances. Unlike other methods, hair testing not only provides fast results but also maintains a high accuracy level in identifying drug use. This technology offers peace of mind by ensuring results are both rapid and dependable.
By opting for hair drug tests, individuals and organizations benefit from a swift process without compromising on accuracy. The efficiency of these tests lies in their capacity to deliver clear results quickly, supporting informed decision-making.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Employers benefit from compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This testing not only supports legal adherence but also contributes to enhanced workplace safety. Employers can trust that hair testing provides comprehensive substance use insights, minimizing risks and fostering a harmonious work atmosphere.
The reliability of hair follicle testing ensures that organizations maintain a compliant and safe environment, reducing potential legal complications.
