Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, it can reveal substance use for up to around three months. Hair is easy to procure, relatively tough to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the circumference of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair here, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves several key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the first phase of entering a sample into the lab. This includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and transported, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data from the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes an initial rapid check for illicit drugs. Though it’s a cost-effective means to generally rule out drug use, any positive screen must be verified for legal acceptability. Presumptive positives from Screening need additional confirmation.
With a presumptively positive sample in Screening, additional hair is obtained from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drug compounds are isolated from hair at concentrations far lower than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods confirm any positive results from the screening. Presumptive positives undergo a wash prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subjected to 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 test actually assesses the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Somes Bar, CA
The advantages of hair testing over urine are clear: superior detection accuracy and undeniable reliability. This testing method stands out for offering a more comprehensive analysis compared to traditional urine tests.
Employers favor hair testing due to its extended detection period and difficulty in tampering, giving it an edge over urine tests. With precise results, hair tests provide unmatched detection capabilities in substance use screening.
Extended Detection Window in Somes Bar, CA
Hair follicle testing allows detection of drug use up to 90 days, enabling employers to gain a full understanding of an individual's substance history. This extensive period offers valuable insight for informed decision-making regarding potential employees.
The extensive detection capability of hair testing gives employers a prolonged overview of drug use habits, aiding in the assessment of applicants' or employees' substance history, unlike other shorter-term testing options.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Somes Bar, CA
Hair follicle tests are notably resistant to sample adulteration, greatly minimizing the potential for tampering. This test ensures that the results are reliable and credible, preserving the integrity of the testing process.
By reducing the risk of tampered samples, hair testing provides unquestionable results that are critical for maintaining trust and transparency in substance testing programs.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Somes Bar, CA
Our nationwide network of testing facilities, including local centers in Somes Bar, provides convenient access to drug testing services, ensuring quick and hassle-free procedures for all clients.
With a wide presence of testing centers, our services are easily accessible, eliminating barriers to obtaining necessary tests promptly and efficiently for both businesses and individuals alike.
Simple, Confidential Process in Somes Bar, CA
Our hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and discreet, safeguarding privacy while making the process of ordering, taking, and receiving results user-friendly and secure.
The seamless and confidential testing experience ensures clients' comfort and ease of use, addressing privacy concerns effectively while simplifying the entire testing journey from start to finish.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Somes Bar, CA
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround for hair follicle tests offer outstanding value, allowing organizations of all sizes to benefit from our services without financial strain.
Combining reasonable costs with speedy processing, our tests are designed to provide excellent service and peace of mind, ensuring accessibility and prompt results for every budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Somes Bar, CA
Hair follicle tests deliver unparalleled precision and rapid results in detecting substances. This method ensures high accuracy, bolstering confidence in the findings while offering speedy processing and dependable outcomes.
With a focus on exceptional accuracy, hair follicle drug tests are trusted for identifying substance use. The swiftness of acquiring results makes it a preferred choice for ensuring reliability in testing procedures.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Somes Bar, CA
Using hair follicle testing allows employers to stay compliant with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety. This method strengthens adherence to workplace safety standards.
The assurance of compliance with drug-free policies through hair testing acts as a preventive measure, safeguarding companies from potential legal consequences and fostering a secure work environment.
