Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is a recognized method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by retaining biomarkers within the hair strand fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can show up to a roughly 3-month window of detection for alcohol and other drugs. It is straightforward to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of nearly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the recommended amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, enhancements, and/or tests above 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. It's best to measure the specimen on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a similar amount of body hair might be used. By head hair, we mean scalp hair alone. Body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is incorporated into a lab's system. This process checks if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any additional data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical means to rule out drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be valid in a legal context. Any samples that show a presumed positive in Screening need to be confirmed via a secondary process.
If a sample shows a presumed positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations relative to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All presumed positive samples are cleansed before undergoing confirmation, as necessary. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand instead of the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In San Carlos, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior option compared to traditional urine testing. Its advantages include superior detection accuracy and greater reliability, making it an ideal choice for thorough drug screening.
Hair testing provides a comprehensive analysis of drug use history, unlike urine testing which might miss long-term use. This thorough approach offers peace of mind to employers enforcing drug-free policies.
Hair follicle testing in San Carlos offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, it presents a broader view of an individual’s substance history.
This prolonged detection period ensures that employers in San Carlos can efficiently assess both current and past drug use, facilitating informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is a key benefit for those in San Carlos. This method significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, providing results that can be trusted without question.
Employers and institutions can rely on the robustness of hair tests to yield consistent and unbiased results, essential for maintaining integrity in drug testing procedures.
The widespread availability of testing centers across the nation, including local options in San Carlos, CA, ensures easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services.
Organizations and individuals benefit from the convenience of our extensive network, enabling seamless testing appointments that accommodate various schedules and needs in San Carlos.
Hair follicle testing in San Carlos is conducted through a simple and confidential process. Ordering and taking the test is straightforward, with results delivered discreetly, respecting all privacy concerns.
This ease of use is a significant advantage, allowing individuals to conduct testing with minimal stress while receiving accurate and confidential results swiftly.
Competitive pricing and fast results make hair follicle testing an attractive choice in San Carlos, CA. Our structure allows companies of all sizes to receive excellent value for their testing requirements.
Quick turnaround times ensure that businesses can make informed decisions promptly, enhancing productivity and reducing potential downtime or delays related to personnel assessments.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug testing in San Carlos, CA, are unparalleled. It offers highly accurate results for detecting substance use, providing a reliable method for individuals and organizations alike.
Employers and institutions in San Carlos value hair tests for their rapid turnaround times and consistent reliability. Quick results mean less wait time for crucial decisions in professional settings.
In San Carlos, employing hair follicle testing aids in compliance with workplace drug-free policies, enhancing legal safety and workplace security. It offers peace of mind to employers who are committed to upholding safety standards.
This reliable testing method helps organizations avoid potential legal issues and fosters a safer, more productive work environment by ensuring that employees adhere to company substance abuse policies.
