Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they develop. A sample collected near the scalp can provide a detection period extending up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. This type of specimen is easy to gather, challenging to alter, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation assays. For EtG assessments, supplementary tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is recommended to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample as it enters the laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring proper sealing and shipment of the specimen, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry that the electronic chain of custody system does not furnish.
Screening executes a swift preliminary evaluation for substance misuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug use in many samples, a positive outcome here needs verification for court admissibility. Samples with preliminary positive Screening outcomes must undergo subsequent confirmation.
Should Screening show presumptive positivity, additional hair from the original specimen is readied for Extraction. At this stage, substances are gleaned from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen in alternative methods (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair screening particularly intricate.
Confirmation of any Screening positives is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positives are washed as necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In San Joaquin, CA, hair follicle testing shows clear advantages over urine tests. Its wider detection window and accuracy make it a more reliable option for drug testing.
Employers and legal entities prefer hair follicle tests as they detect substance use over a broader timeline, minimizing errors.
This advanced method outperforms traditional urine tests by capturing long-term usage patterns, offering a superior testing solution.
With a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in San Joaquin, CA offers employers a thorough view of an individual's drug use history. This extended period allows employers to make informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees.
By relying on hair follicle testing, employers can better assess applicant and employee substance habits over a 3-month span.
In San Joaquin, CA, hair follicle drug testing provides a robust defense against sample tampering.
The uncompromisable collection method ensures the sample's integrity remains intact, leading to reliable outcomes.
Unlike other testing types susceptible to manipulation, hair testing methods are formidable against adulteration, delivering dependable results every time.
Accredited Drug Testing offers accessibility and convenience with nationwide testing centers including San Joaquin, CA.
With locations easily reachable, our hassle-free services guarantee swift and effortless testing processes. Enjoy seamless access to our renowned facilities that cater to your requirements.
Effortless and Confidential—our process prioritizes simplicity and privacy for all clients in San Joaquin, CA.
From order to results, our clear procedures ensure confidentiality every step of the way.
Clients need not worry about privacy; our process is designed to meet and uphold high standards.
Every aspect from testing to result delivery is confidential, satisfying privacy concerns with straightforward ease.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in San Joaquin, CA, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Our pricing structures are tailored to fit various budgeting needs while ensuring top-tier service quality.
The speed of our results means companies can trust they are making investments in a reliable, efficient service without breaking the bank.
In San Joaquin, CA, hair follicle drug tests are known for their speed and precision, offering outstanding accuracy when identifying substance use.
Employers and authorities benefit from fast results that are both reliable and detailed, ensuring swift decision-making.
Speed and Precision in hair follicle testing help streamline the testing process, providing trusted outcomes that aid in maintaining a drug-free environment in the community.
For San Joaquin, CA employers, using hair follicle tests contributes significantly to workplace safety and regulatory compliance. It offers peace of mind by maintaining drug-free policies, reducing legal challenges. Ensuring compliance through precise testing methods enhances overall workplace safety and employee health.
Employers find confidence in this method's accuracy and integrity, leading to a more secure work environment.
