Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have emerged as an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of substances and alcohol by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing strand. When collected near the scalp, it can offer nearly a 3-month visibility window for substances and alcohol. Hair is straightforward to gather, tough to falsify, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment containing about 200 strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair not be available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal procedures in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the primary processing of a sample in a lab’s system. This involves confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any added data input not offered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial fast inspection for substance abuse. Screening serves as a cost-effective approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, but a positive screen has to be validated for court acceptability. Any samples that preliminarily show positive in Screening must undergo a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample is preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a lower concentration than in other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging technique to accomplish.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo cleaning before confirmation as necessary. The entire lab 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 sometimes called "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Smith River, CA Hair follicle testing offers superior detection abilities over traditional urine tests, establishing itself as a more reliable method. In Smith River, CA, this testing method is valued for its extended detection window and accurate results, often revealing drug use that urine tests might miss, enhancing compliance and safety.
While urine tests can identify recent drug use, hair follicle tests provide a broader detection range and are less susceptible to tampering. This reliability benefits employers enforcing strict drug policies, ensuring a safer, zero-tolerance environment.
Extended Detection Window in Smith River, CA One key advantage of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, sometimes up to 90 days. This wide detection window gives Smith River, CA employers a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history, crucial for making informed hiring decisions.
Businesses benefit from this extended timeline, as it allows for a detailed look into an employee's past use, beyond the limitations of standard tests. This long view aids in maintaining a drug-free workspace with a clearer understanding of potential substance-related issues.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Smith River, CA Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize exposure to tampering. Unlike urine tests, which can be altered or forged, hair tests in Smith River, CA, are conducted under observed conditions, yielding reliable results and reducing the possibility of interference.
For employers, this means results are accurate and dependable, removing doubts about a sample's integrity. With high anti-tampering resistance, hair testing stands out as a trustworthy option for those requiring confidence in their screening processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Smith River, CA In Smith River, CA, the ease of accessing drug testing is made even more convenient with our nationwide network of testing locations. This ensures that individuals and businesses can utilize testing services effortlessly, minimizing disruption and delays.
Our local centers are part of a larger national system, ensuring swift and straightforward access for all users. This extensive reach means quicker appointments, faster results, and streamlined processes for all testing needs.
Simple, Confidential Process in Smith River, CA For residents of Smith River, CA, our hair follicle testing process offers the simplicity and confidentiality needed for peace of mind. The procedure for ordering, taking tests, and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring privacy and ease of use at every step.
Our streamlined process is designed to respect client confidentiality while delivering effective service. This makes drug testing less stressful, ensuring that users can navigate the process confidently and discreetly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Smith River, CA Our competitive pricing in Smith River, CA, paired with fast turnaround times, makes hair follicle testing accessible and efficient for all. We pride ourselves on offering excellent value without compromising quality or accuracy, catering to companies of varying sizes.
Clients benefit from a balance of affordability and reliability, ensuring they receive top-tier drug testing services promptly. Our service ensures that testing is not just a necessity but a valuable, cost-effective investment in workplace safety and policy adherence.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Smith River, CA When it comes to detecting substance use, hair follicle tests provide rapid, precise outcomes, establishing an unparalleled standard in the industry. In Smith River, CA, individuals and companies rely on these tests for their exceptional accuracy and speed, ensuring all results are both trustworthy and timely.
The hair follicle testing process not only guarantees a quick turnaround time, but it also reassures users of its reliability in pinpointing substance presence. As more organizations recognize its efficiency, hair testing stands out as a leading solution for accurate drug detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Smith River, CA Ensuring compliance with workplace drug policies is key for employers in Smith River, CA, and hair follicle testing plays a vital role in achieving this. These tests help enforce zero-tolerance policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, providing peace of mind and a secure environment.
Employers benefit from reliable results that assist in maintaining policy compliance. By reducing drug use at work, organizations safeguard themselves legally and enhance their productivity, leading to a happier, healthier workforce.
