Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the strands, hair chronicles a prolonged history of such substances. Collecting hair proximal to the scalp can offer a detection period for alcohol and drugs extending up to nearly three months. The collection process is straightforward, alteration is challenging, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp results in a 100mg hair sample, which is optimal for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional evaluations, or testing exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. For head hair, we specify scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test processing in the lab is divided into Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation phases.
Accessioning covers the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab's system, ensuring that it was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse and is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use on most samples. However, a positive screen requires confirmation to be used in legal settings. Any samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening need additional confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from the hair at a notably lower concentration than methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug analysis highly challenging.
To affirm any positive screening outcomes, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed. All presumed positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. Throughout, the entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", this assessment actually evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in River Pines, CA, several key advantages emerge. Hair testing offers superior accuracy and reliability, capturing a broader history of drug use compared to the shorter detection window of urine tests. This makes hair analysis a preferred option for employers and organizations seeking a thorough assessment of potential drug usage.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in River Pines, CA, provides a strategic advantage for employers. Whereas urine tests offer a limited view, hair tests can reveal substance use up to 90 days prior, allowing employers to gain a comprehensive overview of an individual's longer-term drug history, resulting in informed hiring decisions that bolster workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing's tamper-resistant nature in River Pines, CA, significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, which are susceptible to tampering, hair tests provide unquestionable results. This reliability ensures that employers can trust the integrity of the outcomes, safeguarding against attempts to circumvent drug testing protocols.
River Pines, CA residents benefit from the convenience of numerous testing centers. Our nationwide presence ensures that individuals have quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, making it straightforward to obtain drug testing wherever they may be located, ensuring accessibility for all necessary parties.
The hair follicle testing process in River Pines, CA is designed to be simple and confidential. Individuals can expect a straightforward procedure for ordering, completing, and receiving their results. Addressing privacy concerns, this discreet approach reassures users about the safe handling of their personal data throughout the testing journey.
By offering affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in River Pines, CA ensures excellent value. Catering to organizations of all sizes, our services deliver quick results that don't compromise on cost-efficiency, providing companies the best value for their investment in workplace drug testing.
Hair follicle drug tests in River Pines, CA provide swift and precise results, distinguishing them from other testing methods. Accuracy is a hallmark of hair tests, ensuring reliable detection of substance use. Their speed in delivering results aids both employers and individuals who need timely information, offering confidence in the outcomes procured from the testing process.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in River Pines, CA, businesses can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby enhancing peace of mind. By adhering to such procedures, companies can mitigate legal risks, promote a safe working environment, and uphold regulations, creating a reassuring atmosphere for employers and employees alike.
