Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is taken from near the head, it can reveal drug usage for a period of up to about three months. It's easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hairs (approximately pencil-sized) nearest to the scalp equals 100mg of hair, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, extras, or those over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advise measuring the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core stages in the lab processing of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample enters the laboratory’s system. This step entails ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening effectively rules out drug use in most samples, a positive result must be validated to be court-acceptable. Any samples that test positive in Screening require further verification.
When a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. Here, drug substances are pulled from hair at concentrations far lower than those seen in other methods (urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug testing the most challenging method.
Any positive findings from Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed if necessary before confirmation. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair code and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation norms.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in San Quentin, CA, sets itself apart from urine tests with its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis covers a more extended history of substance use, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities.
In San Quentin, CA, hair follicle testing excels in identifying drug use over an extended timeline, often up to 90 days. This extensive detection window offers employers a detailed account of an individual's substance usage, surpassing the capabilities of urine tests.
Hair follicle tests in San Quentin, CA, significantly cut the risk of sample tampering, offering results that are both reliable and beyond dispute. This method's inherent resistance to adulteration makes it a trustworthy choice for accurate drug testing.
Nationwide, and in San Quentin, CA, we provide convenient drug testing locations. Our centers are positioned for easy access, promising a smooth, efficient, and stress-free testing experience. This nationwide presence ensures immediate service availability.
In San Quentin, CA, our straightforward and confidential hair follicle testing process assures users of privacy and ease. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to uphold confidentiality while ensuring a hassle-free experience.
We offer competitive pricing and expedient turnaround for hair follicle drug tests in San Quentin, CA. Our pricing ensures exceptional value for organizations, large and small, while our quick processing time delivers peace of mind and practical solutions.
In San Quentin, CA, hair follicle drug testing offers a precise and swift method for detecting substance use. This test is recognized for its superior accuracy, ensuring reliable and timely results. Unlike other methods, the efficiency of hair testing reduces wait times, providing stakeholders with fast answers.
Adopting hair follicle testing in San Quentin, CA, helps employers stay compliant with drug-free workplace policies, reducing the risk of legal issues while promoting safety. This reliable testing method provides reassurance and supports workplace integrity.