Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The effectiveness of hair testing as a means to detect drug and alcohol consumption has gained recognition. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strands. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and other drugs of up to approximately three months. Hair collection is uncomplicated, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (approximating the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. By head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid analysis for substances of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use on the majority of samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be admissible in legal contexts. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Preparation. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if needed. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated 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 often called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
In San Martin, CA, hair follicle testing offers a significant edge over conventional urine testing. This modern approach ensures superior detection of prolonged substance use, providing results with unmatched accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection span, hair tests excel in uncovering extended drug histories with unparalleled reliability.
Employers in San Martin who seek comprehensive drug use insights benefit from hair follicle testing's extensive detection capabilities. While urine tests only reveal recent consumption, hair tests cover usage over a far longer period, ensuring a thorough understanding of any substance intake activity.
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle drug testing in San Martin, CA, is its remarkable ability to detect substance use over an extended timeframe. This method is capable of revealing drug usage for up to 90 days, granting employers a detailed view into an individual's substance use history, far surpassing what traditional testing measures can offer.
This approach equips employers with a clearer picture of any long-term drug use patterns, providing confidence in hiring and employment decisions. By covering three months of substance history, hair follicle tests ensure a well-rounded insight into applicant and employee behaviors, vital for maintaining workplace standards.
Located in San Martin, CA, hair follicle testing offers a robust defense against sample tampering. Unlike urine tests which can be manipulated, hair testing provides a formidable barrier to adulteration attempts, thus yielding results that are reliable and beyond dispute. This integrity makes it the gold standard for drug testing.
San Martin employers can rest easy knowing that hair follicle testing minimizes risks of inaccurate results due to tampering. By virtually eliminating the potential for sample interference, this method assures employers of the authenticity and correctness of test outcomes, a crucial factor in maintaining rigorous safety protocols.
For those in San Martin, CA, the accessibility of nationwide testing locations is a major asset. Accredited Drug Testing provides numerous testing centers, ensuring that drug testing is convenient and hassle-free. This extensive network simplifies the logistics for employers and individuals alike, providing rapid service wherever you are.
In addition to national coverage, local San Martin testing sites further amplify convenience, allowing residents easy access to testing facilities. The process is straightforward, eliminating barriers and streamlining the journey to accessing necessary testing services without delay.
Ease of use and confidentiality are at the forefront in San Martin, CA's hair follicle testing process. Our streamlined protocol ensures ordering, sampling, and receiving results is a straightforward and discreet experience, addressing any personal privacy concerns while maintaining efficiency.
Throughout San Martin, individuals can experience a seamless testing process that balances simplicity with respect for privacy. This approach reassures individuals of their confidentiality while ensuring a smooth pathway from test initiation to completion, making substance testing stress-free and secure.
In San Martin, CA, Accredited Drug Testing combines competitive pricing with swift turnaround times. Companies of all sizes can benefit from our cost-effective solutions, which bring immense value while still maintaining the highest quality and accuracy of testing results.
Our pricing structures are designed to fit diverse business budgets, and our prompt results delivery ensures that organizations in San Martin receive the processed information needed to maintain operational momentum, without financial strain, and with complete confidence.
The efficiency of hair follicle testing cannot be understated, especially in San Martin, CA. These tests boast a high level of accuracy and reliability in identifying substance use, providing quick results that give employers the confidence they need. With precision that surpasses traditional methods, hair tests are favored for their speed and trustworthiness in yielding results.
In the fast-paced world of employment screening, turnaround time is crucial. Hair follicle tests in San Martin rise to the occasion, delivering results with unmatched speed and accuracy. Their methodological precision ensures that every test offers the high level of reliability demanded by today's stringent testing standards.
Employers in San Martin, CA, seeking compliance with drug-free workplace policies can find assurance in hair follicle testing. This method not only aligns with stringent safety protocols but significantly lowers legal liabilities, promoting a safer work environment and offering peace of mind for organizations dedicated to maintaining a drug-free atmosphere.
By integrating hair follicle testing into their protocols, San Martin businesses can exude confidence in their hiring and employment practices. Such diligence enhances workplace safety standards and illustrates a company's commitment to adhering to legal and ethical guidelines, keeping operations smooth and risk-free.
