Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When gathered near the scalp, hair may reveal a detection window of up to about 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for laboratory handling of a drug test comprises four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. It entails ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective technique to largely rule out drug use, a confirmed positive is necessary for legal admissibility. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening need a further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original specimen is extracted for further processing in the Extraction phase. This phase removes drugs from hair at concentrations lower than those in alternative methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), underscoring hair drug testing as the most intricate methodology to execute.
To confirm any positive Screening results, methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are implemented. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes assessment under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although called "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp
When it comes to drug screenings in San Antonio Heights, CA, hair follicle tests distinctly outshine traditional urine tests. Superior detection accuracy is a key benefit, as hair tests provide a more reliable method for identifying substance use. Hair testing offers a more expansive view of drug usage history compared to the narrower scope of urine tests.
With its lengthy detection ability and resistance to tampering, hair testing has become the go-to method for ensuring a drug-free environment. It provides a broader overview, making it far superior to conventional urine testing.
In San Antonio Heights, CA, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage. Unlike traditional testing methods, hair analysis captures a 90-day history of substance use, providing employers with a comprehensive drug use overview.
This lengthy detection period enables a more detailed analysis of an applicant or employee's drug history. The longer window helps companies make better-informed decisions regarding substance use knowledge.
Hair follicle tests undertaken in San Antonio Heights, CA, offer a significant advantage through their tamper-resistant nature. These tests considerably lower the risk of sample adulteration, providing a highly credible testing option.
Hair analysis ensures that results are dependable and beyond reproach. The difficulty of adulterating a hair sample makes the results virtually untouchable, accommodating employers seeking authenticity in their drug screening processes.
Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient testing options in San Antonio Heights, CA, through an array of nationwide centers. Our widespread locations ensure straightforward access to essential testing services without the hassle.
Whether locally or across the states, you'll find our testing centers comfortably situated for your convenience. This expansive network makes scheduling and undertaking tests quick and effortless.
The process for obtaining hair follicle tests in San Antonio Heights, CA, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we ensure privacy while maintaining ease-of-use.
Our streamlined procedure respects your confidentiality concerns, providing a discreet and unobtrusive testing experience. We manage each stage of the process to ensure a hassle-free and private journey from start to finish.
At Accredited Drug Testing in San Antonio Heights, CA, we prioritize affordable pricing and expedient results. Our competitive pricing structures cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring excellent value for your investment.
We pride ourselves on our swift turnaround times, enabling companies to secure timely results without compromising quality, thus enhancing their satisfaction and trust in our services.
In San Antonio Heights, CA, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their swift and precise outcomes. Speed and precision are crucial, and these tests excel in both, ensuring reliable results. The sensitivity of hair follicle analysis offers superior accuracy, which is essential for dependable substance use detection.
The extraordinary accuracy of hair follicle testing ensures definitive results. The ability to efficiently detect even minute substance traces speaks to its reliability and effectiveness in rigorous drug screening scenarios.
Employers in San Antonio Heights, CA, find that hair follicle testing fosters compliance and peace of mind. Implementing such tests ensures alignment with drug-free workplace protocols, mitigating legal liabilities and enhancing occupational safety.
By adopting hair testing, companies not only adhere to strict policy standards but also gain reassurance in maintaining a safe and productive work environment, effectively minimizing risks associated with non-compliance.
