Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By encapsulating biomarkers within the hair strand as it develops, hair provides an extensive history of alcohol and drugs. If taken near the scalp, hair can offer nearly a 3-month detection period for such substances. It is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is advisable. If scalp hair is not available, the same quantity of body hair might be used. Our reference to head hair specifically indicates scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step in integrating a sample into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and handles any additional data input absent from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial scan for illicit drugs. Screening offers a cost-effective approach to ruling out drug usage in most samples, but a positive screen necessitates confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample comes back presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are gleaned from hair at concentrations lower than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis particularly challenging.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS instrumentation is used to confirm any positive screening results. Prior to confirmation, all samples with presumptive positivity are washed as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated per the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Santa Clara, CA, outshines traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily tampered with, hair tests provide accurate and consistent results.
Hair tests detect substance use over a more extended period, ensuring that sporadic use doesn't go unnoticed. This makes them an invaluable tool for employers seeking a thorough assessment of an individual's substance history.
Furthermore, with hair tests, there's a reduced risk of sample adulteration, ensuring the detection process remains uncompromised. The increased sensitivity and accuracy of hair follicle tests make them the preferred method for those serious about drug testing.
Hair follicle testing in Santa Clara, CA, allows for an extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This long detection span gives employers a deeper understanding of an employee's substance habits.
The ability to monitor drug use over this extended period enables a comprehensive review, crucial for making informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
Compared to conventional methods, hair tests reveal a broader timeline of use, providing valuable insights into an individual's long-term drug history. Employers can rely on this information to maintain a safe and compliant workplace.
Hair follicle tests in Santa Clara, CA, offer a robust, tamper-resistant option for drug testing, minimizing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This reliability delivers trustworthy and clear results.
The collection process for hair testing is carefully monitored, hence reducing opportunities for manipulation. This makes hair tests a superior choice for reliable drug screening.
The significant reduction in adulteration risk with hair tests ensures that results are definitive and credible, providing peace of mind and accurate assessments for both employers and legal entities.
Santa Clara, CA residents have easy access to hair follicle drug testing through our conveniently located nationwide centers. Whether locally or in any other city, these centers facilitate hassle-free testing access.
With numerous sites across the nation, testing services are easily reachable, ensuring efficiency and speed for individuals and companies.
The strategic location of these centers ensures a seamless experience, enabling quick and efficient testing processes for those in need of such services.
In Santa Clara, CA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are simple steps.
This process not only preserves confidentiality but also assures ease of use, making the overall experience stress-free and user-friendly.
The simple procedure and prompt return of results emphasize privacy and accessibility, crucial attributes for today's test-takers seeking reassurance.
Our competitive pricing in Santa Clara, CA, ensures hair follicle testing is accessible without compromising on quality. With a quick turnaround, this presents excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes.
The affordability and speed offered by our services deliver peace of mind, knowing that you're getting both value and reliability.
At Accredited Drug Testing, companies benefit from economic solutions coupled with rapid delivery of results, ensuring that customer needs are met flexibly and efficiently.
In Santa Clara, CA, hair follicle drug tests offer quick and dependable results. The accuracy of these tests ensures precise detection of substance use, providing reliable data.
With hair testing, results are not only fast but they exhibit a high degree of precision, making them a preferred choice for comprehensive assessments.
The streamlined process means that results are delivered swiftly, maintaining their integrity and precision. This combination of speed and accuracy is particularly beneficial for employers and other decision-makers.
Employing hair follicle testing in Santa Clara, CA, guarantees compliance with workplace drug policies, safeguarding legal positions and boosting a drug-free culture. This type of testing markedly reduces risks associated with non-compliance.
By adopting hair tests, employers contribute to a secure work environment, which is compliant with safety standards and regulations.
The comprehensive detection capabilities help discourage drug use while promoting peace of mind among employers, knowing that they are maintaining a legally secure and safe workplace.
