Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective technique for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by preserving biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, it can reveal a detection span of up to about 3 months for substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment of 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (approximately matching #2 pencil thickness) situated near the scalp will supply 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests beyond 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar amount of body hair might be collected. Head hair refers strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result, namely Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample in the lab's system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data input not obtained via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive result must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples indicating a provisional positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
For samples indicating a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is removed from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drug extraction from hair occurs at a concentration significantly lower than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to carry out.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In South El Dorado, CA, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing for several reasons. This advanced method offers superior detection accuracy, capturing a broader spectrum of substances. Unlike urine tests, which detect recent use, hair testing provides reliability and a more comprehensive view of long-term substance use, making it ideal for stringent workplace policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in South El Dorado, CA offers a significant advantage. This testing method can identify drug use over a prolonged period, typically up to 90 days. Such extensive coverage allows employers to gain a more complete understanding of an individual’s substance history, benefiting employment decisions and safety measures.
Hair follicle tests conducted in South El Dorado, CA provide a tamper-resistant option for drug screening. This method minimizes the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring credible results. Compared to other testing procedures, hair follicle tests offer transparency and security in verifying an individual's substance use history.
Our testing centers in South El Dorado, CA, coupled with nationwide facilities, allow for convenient access to hair follicle drug testing. Our extensive network ensures that individuals and employers can receive quick, hassle-free testing services, minimizing disruptions and ensuring accessibility across numerous locations.
In South El Dorado, CA, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. Ordering, administering, and receiving results is simple, emphasizing privacy and convenience. This user-friendly approach addresses privacy concerns and fosters an efficient experience for all involved.
Our hair follicle testing services in South El Dorado, CA are characterized by competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This affordable approach provides excellent value, catering to companies of all sizes and ensuring they receive timely, cost-effective results for their drug testing needs.
Hair follicle testing in South El Dorado, CA ensures fast, accurate, and reliable results for drug detection. This method boasts high precision and efficiency, ensuring swift identification of substance use. Compared to traditional testing methods, hair follicle tests deliver timely results, providing certainty and confidence in the outcomes.
Employers in South El Dorado, CA can rely on hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks and enhances organizational safety. By choosing hair testing, employers foster a safer, more productive work environment, providing peace of mind for both management and employees.
