Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The growing use of hair testing has proven to be an effective means for identifying the presence of alcohol and drugs. Hair offers a prolonged record of substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the strand. When collected near the scalp, it can reflect drug and alcohol intake over a period of roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield approximately 100mg, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG and other extended panel tests above 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's suggested to measure this on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, a similar volume of body hair can be collected. Our reference to head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results consists of four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within the lab system. This step confirms the sample’s secure sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any unfilled data entry needed that's not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substance abuse. Despite being a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive findings in Screening must undergo confirmation to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Presumptive positives from Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should screening results suggest probable positivity, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. Within this phase, drugs are extracted from hair, although at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome employs techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples, if necessary, are cleansed before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards of ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests," the evaluation targets the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Rockport, CA, when comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle testing stands out against traditional urine tests. It offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. This form of testing provides a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, reducing the risk of false negatives and deception seen with urine tests.
The benefits of using hair testing include higher accuracy and an extended detection window, making it more reliable for ongoing substance use monitoring.
Rockport, CA, benefits greatly from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, allowing up to 90 days of substance use history to be examined. Employers gain a complete perspective of an individual's drug habits, which is invaluable for making informed employment decisions and promoting a drug-free workplace environment.
The ability to detect drugs over longer periods offers a comprehensive look at long-term use and is a major advantage of hair testing.
Hair follicle testing in Rockport, CA, is a tamper-resistant method that minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike other methods, it is nearly impossible to cheat, providing honest and reliable results. This aspect ensures that decisions based on these tests stand on solid ground, free from tampering concerns.
The collection process is observed, making it a trustworthy choice for enforcing drug-use policies with confidence and accuracy.
Rockport, CA residents can enjoy the convenience of nationwide testing locations, including local options for hair follicle drug testing. Our expansive network ensures that accessing testing services is quick, easy, and hassle-free, facilitating the needs of companies and individuals across different regions.
With numerous centers available, you can easily arrange for tests with minimal disruption to your schedule.
In Rockport, CA, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential, safeguarding your privacy at every stage. From ordering to taking the test, through to receiving results, the process is straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns for users who value discretion.
Our streamlined approach ensures ease of use, making it an accessible option for anyone requiring testing.
With affordable pricing and a fast turnaround in Rockport, CA, hair follicle testing offers exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures mean you get high-quality tests without breaking the bank, ensuring you receive timely results that are crucial for decision-making.
The quick processing time aligns with organizational needs for efficiency and reliability in drug testing.
In Rockport, CA, hair follicle drug testing provides fast and accurate results, offering a high level of reliability in substance detection. The process ensures that from collection to analysis, results are delivered with swiftness and precision, helping individuals and organizations make informed decisions swiftly.
This method's accuracy is unparalleled, giving a trustworthy snapshot of long-term drug use while responding quickly to testing needs with efficiency and precision.
For Rockport, CA employers, hair follicle testing provides compliance and peace of mind in maintaining a drug-free workplace. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, ensuring that drug policies meet standards and are easier to enforce.
Hair testing aligns with regulatory requirements, offering employers assurance that they are upholding a safe and compliant work environment.
