Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Testing hair has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair effectively captures markers of alcohol and drugs within the fibers of growing hair strands, offering a comprehensive historical record. When hair samples are taken near the scalp, they can provide a detection period of up to around 3 months for both alcohol and drugs. The hair collection process is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient for transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the suitable amount for screening and verification. For EtG, added tests, and/or panels above 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair isn't available, a matching quantity of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses other types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Outline
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results encompasses four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This phase involves ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial, cost-efficient method for checking drugs of abuse across most samples; however, any positive ones necessitate confirmation to withstand legal scrutiny. Samples presumed positive in the Screening stage require follow-up confirmation.
For samples suspect to be positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further preparation in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are retrieved from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening confirmations are completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo a wash prior to confirmation as warranted. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Sugarloaf Village, CA, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine testing with its detailed detection capabilities. Hair tests display greater accuracy and are less prone to tampering compared to urine tests. The long detection period offered by hair testing provides employers with insightful data on an individual’s substance use history, supplementing the drug-free workplace environment efficiently.
Hair follicle testing conducted in Sugarloaf Village is unmatched in its extensive detection window, highlighting drug use up to 90 days past. Employers benefit from this comprehensive overview, which aids in assessing candidate reliability and maintaining safe hiring practices. This long-term detection offers a more complete account of substance use compared to other testing methods.
Reliable results are assured through the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Sugarloaf Village. This method greatly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, offering unparalleled reliability and ensuring questionable results are virtually impossible. As a secure testing option, it supports employers in upholding integrity and trust in substance testing protocols.
The convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide centers, including local sites in Sugarloaf Village, ensures easy access to hair follicle testing. With an extensive network, businesses and individuals find it hassle-free to avail testing services, minimizing logistical barriers and ensuring tests are conducted promptly and efficiently for all concerned parties.
Accredited Drug Testing in Sugarloaf Village simplifies the process of hair follicle testing, emphasizing a confidential way of ordering, testing, and result delivery. The straightforward, private approach assures users of their privacy, making drug testing a stress-free experience while safeguarding individual information through a secure testing environment.
Affordability and fast turnaround times characterize the hair follicle testing services in Sugarloaf Village. Our competitive pricing ensures practical solutions for businesses of all sizes, offering substantial value and assurances of timely results that facilitate effective decision-making and maintain operation timelines without financial strain.
With Accredited Drug Testing in Sugarloaf Village, precise and swift hair follicle drug tests set the standard. These tests deliver high accuracy in spotting substances, ensuring dependable results when assessing potential drug use. The rapid turnaround time guarantees less waiting, optimizing business operations by providing employers with the evidence needed to make informed decisions quickly.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Sugarloaf Village fosters compliance and peace of mind for employers committed to drug-free policies. This method aids in reducing legal risks by enforcing safe and compliant workplace standards, thus enhancing organizational safety and employee well-being through effective monitoring of substance use behaviors.
