Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a formidable approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures an extended history of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When samples are taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, extra tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, it solely concerns scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four crucial steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into a laboratory system. This process confirms that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry that an electronic chain of custody system does not cover.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective means to eliminate drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be considered valid in court. Samples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to be processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory processing, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Riverview Farms, CA, hair follicle testing boasts enhanced benefits over traditional urine tests. The standout feature is its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Individuals and organizations aiming to make informed decisions rely on this method, which stands out for its capacity to trace substance use with greater precision.
Extended Detection Window
Riverview Farms, CA is benefiting from hair follicle testing that spans a 90-day detection period. Employers rely on this expansive timeframe to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance usage history. This extended window is pivotal in making informed judgments regarding substance usage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
In Riverview Farms, CA, the robustness of hair follicle tests significantly curtails the likelihood of sample tampering. This testing approach delivers results that remain trustworthy and beyond reproach, a critical asset for establishments needing credible drug use assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Discover the ease of accessing testing services with our nationally available centers, including Riverview Farms, CA. Our locations afford stress-free, swift service delivery, facilitating convenience for every client needing efficient testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our streamlined procedure in Riverview Farms, CA ensures simplicity and confidentiality throughout the testing process. From ordering to receiving results, our focus on privacy assures individuals of an effortless and secure experience every step of the way.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
In Riverview Farms, CA, our budget-friendly pricing and rapid turnaround times make our services accessible. We ensure excellent value, serving organizations of various sizes with competitive rates that align with their needs, thus providing organizations with assurance and efficiency.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests in Riverview Farms, CA are noteworthy. These tests afford a high degree of accuracy in unveiling substance use, an essential factor for individuals and organizations relying on trustworthy results. The capability to rapidly deliver precise outcomes makes hair testing an attractive option to ensure a safe and compliant environment.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Riverview Farms, CA aids employers in maintaining adherence to drug-free workplace directives. This method minimizes legal implications and fosters a safe work environment, ensuring both employer and employee peace of mind.