Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use history by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-proof, and easily transportable.
A sample size of approximately 1.5 inches, containing about 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil), yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for initial screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is advisable. In scenarios where scalp hair isn't an option, a commensurate amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory drug test process comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's system. It checks whether the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary examination for drug abuse. It provides a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug presence in most specimens, but a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples yielding presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further verification.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration notably lower than in other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug analysis particularly challenging to conduct.
Confirmation follows for any positive Screening outcomes using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to Confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Santa Clarita, CA, the advantages of hair testing are clear. Hair tests provide an extended detection period and are more reliable, making them an essential tool for organizations with strict substance policies.
Hair follicle testing boasts superior detection accuracy. In contrast to urine tests, which only cover recent consumption, hair tests offer a comprehensive look into an individual's long-term substance use, usually up to 90 days.
In Santa Clarita, CA, the ability of hair follicle testing to reveal substance use over an extended period makes it invaluable. Employers benefit by gaining insights into a longer timeline of an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle tests offer a detection window of up to 90 days, surpassing the capabilities of urine tests. This extended period provides a detailed understanding of past substance use, aiding in making informed decisions about hiring and employment.
Hair follicle tests in Santa Clarita, CA, stand out for their resistance to tampering. Unlike other testing methods, the structure of hair makes it difficult to alter, ensuring results remain trustworthy and indisputable.
The integrity of hair follicle testing stems from its robust method, which significantly minimizes the possibility of adulteration or falsification, giving users peace of mind with accurate results every time.
Our network of testing centers in Santa Clarita, CA, offers unmatched convenience, with nationwide locations simplifying the process. Accessing drug testing services has never been easier or more hassle-free.
With various local centers in our network, individuals and businesses can count on swift and accessible testing options. This ensures minimal disruption and facilitates a seamless testing experience for all involved.
In Santa Clarita, CA, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes user-friendliness and privacy.
Our streamlined process ensures that participants experience little complexity. By focusing on ease of use and confidentiality, we aim to alleviate concerns and promote trust in our testing services.
Offering competitive pricing and swift result turnaround, our hair follicle testing services in Santa Clarita, CA, provide excellent value. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency benefits companies of every size.
Our affordable pricing structures are combined with rapid processing times, ensuring that businesses receive accurate results without delay, thereby delivering both peace of mind and economical advantages.
In Santa Clarita, CA, the swiftness and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. With these tests, professionals can swiftly identify substance use, making them especially beneficial for employers seeking quick and reliable results.
The accuracy of hair follicle tests is paramount. Utilizing advanced methodologies, these tests ensure that even the smallest trace of substance use is detected, setting them apart from other testing methods in both speed and reliability.
For employers in Santa Clarita, CA, hair follicle testing offers compliance with workplace drug policies, ensuring legal safety and maintaining a secure environment. This testing method is a proactive step towards reducing risks.
Hair follicle tests empower organizations by providing reliable data. This enhances the trustworthiness of drug testing programs, ensuring safety and reducing potential legal liabilities associated with drug use in the workplace.
