Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective methodology for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of substances by encapsulating biomarkers within its fibers. When retrieved from a position near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection window extending up to 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Its collection is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches comprised of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp ensures a sample weight of 100mg, optimum for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair is accepted. "Head hair" denotes scalp hair exclusively, whereas "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample’s preliminary processing into a laboratory system. This process entails ensuring proper sealing and shipping of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides an economical approach to identifying potential drug use across most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal situations. Any Screening stage presumptive positives necessitate further confirmation.
In case of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Confirmation follows via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS for any positive screening outcomes. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as needed. Every stage from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being often coined "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why does hair follicle testing outshine urine tests in Solana Beach, CA? Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests only capture recent drug use, hair tests provide a historical picture of substance use. Employers and judicial systems value hair tests for their comprehensive insights over standard urine tests, offering a clearer view of an individual's drug history.
In Solana Beach, CA, hair follicle testing comes with the advantage of an extended detection window, covering drug use over up to 90 days. This method gives employers a detailed overview of an applicant or employee's substance history, providing a more comprehensive perspective that goes far beyond the limits of a urine test, broadening the scope of detection significantly.
Showcasing the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Solana Beach, CA, these tests significantly minimize the chance of sample adulteration. With a collection process that is both observed and stringent, the reliability of results is assured, delivering unquestionable accuracy and eliminating doubts that often accompany other testing methods like urine tests.
Offering convenient nationwide testing locations, including Solana Beach, CA, ensures easy, hassle-free access to testing services. Accredited Drug Testing provides numerous local and nationwide centers, enabling quick and efficient testing access for individuals and companies alike. This expansive network guarantees that anyone can seamlessly integrate testing into their schedules.
In Solana Beach, CA, Accredited Drug Testing commits to a simple, confidential process for hair follicle testing. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use. This customer-centric approach assures individuals of their privacy and streamlines the entire testing experience for maximum convenience and comfort.
Accredited Drug Testing in Solana Beach, CA, offers affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures and quick results provide excellent value, ensuring peace of mind for businesses of all sizes. Companies can rely on timely information on substance use, aiding in critical decision-making with cost-effectiveness.
In Solana Beach, CA, hair follicle drug tests yield fast, accurate, and reliable results. They leverage cutting-edge technology to provide precision in substance detection, which surpasses traditional methods. High accuracy is a hallmark of these tests, ensuring that any substance use is effectively and efficiently detected, giving employers confidence in their testing procedures.
For employers in Solana Beach, CA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method not only reduces legal risks but also elevates workplace safety. By relying on a more effective testing strategy, employers find reassurance as they fulfill policy obligations, cultivating a drug-free environment that promotes peace of mind and workplace harmony.
