Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of such substances by entrapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, it gives a detection window of about three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to send.
A 1.5-inch sample consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. We advocate for weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable portion of body hair can be collected. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system occurs. This process includes verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary examination for substance abuse. Even though Screening is a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug use presence in most samples, a positive result warrants confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during this phase require a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging method to perform.
Positive screening results are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outperforms Urine Testing
In Solvang, CA, hair follicle tests are superior to urine tests due to their higher accuracy and extended detection period. While urine tests are common, hair tests capture a wider range of usage.
Benefits over Traditional Methods
Hair testing's unmatched accuracy and reliability make it ideal for employers needing precise drug use data. This method effectively detects substances while traditional tests can miss recent drug activity.
In Solvang, CA, employers benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle tests. This method allows for identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, thus providing a comprehensive overview of potential hires or current employees' drug history.
Employers depend on this extended timeframe to make informed, responsible decisions based on historical data rather than short-term evaluations.
Hair follicle tests in Solvang, CA, are lauded for their robust tamper-resistance. The method minimizes risks of adulteration, providing trustworthy results. The collection process is monitored, reducing the chance for any sample tampering.
This ensures that the drug testing outcomes remain unquestionably reliable, making it the preferred choice for organizations seeking dependable results.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide testing centers, including in Solvang, CA. Our presence enables easy access to testing services for both local residents and businesses.
With local and widespread locations, the testing process becomes hassle-free and efficient, ensuring that clients can obtain the needed services without inconvenience.
Residents of Solvang, CA, experience a simple and confidential process when opting for hair follicle tests. The procedure ensures users' privacy is intact while providing accurate results.
Our seamless process for ordering, testing, and receiving results reassures users concerned with confidentiality and ease of use.
Accredited Drug Testing in Solvang, CA, offers affordable pricing without compromising on the speed and quality of results. Our competitive rates provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes.
Offering a fast turnaround ensures that companies receive results promptly, supporting efficient decision-making processes.
The accuracy of hair follicle testing is unmatched. In Solvang, CA, individuals seeking precise results rely on this method. Employers and professionals trust hair testing for its high specificity and ability to detect drug use, ensuring reliable outcomes.
Speed in obtaining results sets hair follicle testing apart. The method quickly delivers accurate data, allowing employers in Solvang, CA, to make timely and informed decisions about applicants or employees.
Employers in Solvang, CA, value hair follicle testing for ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method provides peace of mind, knowing that the results contribute to safety and legal adherence.
Using hair testing helps reduce potential legal risks while fostering a secure working environment. Its consistent and reliable outcomes reinforce the commitment to a drug-free workplace.
