Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized increasingly as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronic record of alcohol and other drugs, capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they can reveal drug and alcohol use over a detection period of up to roughly three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising approximately 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil's width) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg, which is perfect for screening and verification. In cases involving EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar mass of body hair can be used. Note that "head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types, like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The drug test laboratory procedure incorporates four central steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial phase, integrating a sample into the lab's database. This includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment targeting drugs of abuse. Despite Screening's cost-efficiency for eliminating drug use in most samples, positive results must be validated to hold legal weight. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require further verification.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations markedly lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to at times as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Stratford, CA, hair analysis emerges superior in both detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing has a much longer detection window, capturing drug use over several months rather than days. Moreover, it's less vulnerable to being tampered with, offering employers and professionals assurance of genuine results that reflect an individual's true substance use behavior.
For employers in Stratford, CA, the Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing is an invaluable tool. Capable of detecting drug use up to 90 days prior, it provides a thorough insight into an employee or applicant's substance use history. This extended window offers a more comprehensive view of an individual's habits, unlike shorter-period tests, allowing for more informed decision-making based on reliable past drug use records.
Hair follicle testing in Stratford, CA is recognized for its Tamper-Resistant Testing Method. This approach significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results obtained are both reliable and unquestionable. The integrity of hair testing results is maintained through its design, which makes it nearly impossible for individuals to alter samples, thus providing employers and courts the confidence in the authenticity of findings.
With Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, Stratford, CA benefits from Accessible Testing Services. Accredited Drug Testing facilitates quick and hassle-free access through its widespread testing centers, ensuring residents and businesses alike can benefit from hair follicle testing without inconvenience. Local Stratford residents have the advantage of nearby testing locations, reducing travel times and making the testing process straightforward and efficient.
The Simple, Confidential Process in Stratford, CA prioritizes ease and privacy. From ordering to taking tests to receiving results, each step is streamlined to maintain confidentiality and reduce complexity. This emphasis on discretion ensures individuals are always comfortable and that their information is securely handled, aligning with the privacy expectations of sensitive data handling norms in drug testing procedures.
Emphasizing Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Stratford, CA, Accredited Drug Testing offers excellent value with competitive rates. Our rapid turnaround times, combined with reasonable pricing structures, provide businesses of all sizes confidence and peace of mind. Affordable yet efficient service ensures that drug testing remains accessible to all, helping companies ensure safety and compliance without strain on resources.
Fast and Reliable Results in Stratford, CA are assured with our hair follicle drug testing. This method delivers unparalleled accuracy and swift turnarounds in identifying substance use. Hair testing offers a dependable means to detect a variety of substances with precision, thereby providing quick yet accurate feedback on an individual's drug use history. The advanced techniques used ensure that results are delivered promptly without compromising on reliability or accuracy.
When it comes to Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Stratford, CA, hair follicle testing leads the way. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks and boosting workplace safety. By incorporating hair testing into their compliance strategies, employers gain the dual benefits of maintaining rigorous adherence to policy standards and enhancing overall work environment security through reliable substance use assessments.
