Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair can encapsulate long-term evidence of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection span for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is perfect for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those above 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg from the sample is made. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing. Should scalp hair be insufficient, a commensurate volume of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all additional hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The key stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system. It involves confirming the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and any other necessary data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick initial assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening can efficiently eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
For samples that test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepared for Extraction. This step involves drawing drugs from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug testing is one of the most complex methods to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the examination actually analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle and urine drug tests in Taft, CA, hair testing proves superior in accuracy and reliability. It provides greater detection precision, making it the favored choice for those who require assured results.
Unlike urine testing, a hair sample captures drug use over a prolonged period, offering a comprehensive view.
Enhanced Reliability: Hair testing ensures trustworthy results that reduce the chance of false negatives or positives common with urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in Taft, CA delivers an extended detection window, tracing substance use up to 90 days.
Comprehensive Analysis: This broader scope allows employers to gain a full profile of a candidate or employee's past drug activities, leading to more informed decisions.
While other tests offer shorter detection periods, the hair method offers unmatched depth and insight into one's history.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Taft, CA significantly lower the likelihood of sample tampering, thanks to their resilient testing approach.
This method provides unwavering confidence in the outcome's integrity.
Secure Results: The potential for adulteration is greatly minimized, making this test a trustworthy option for employers seeking accurate assessments.
The robust framework of hair testing makes it nearly impossible to manipulate.
Convenience is key with nationwide and local testing centers in Taft, CA, simplifying access to hair follicle testing services. Whether you are nearby or across the country, quick and effortless testing is always within reach.
Easy Access: Our widespread locations mean anyone can book a test without the stress of long waits or excessive travel,
ensuring seamless integration into any schedule.
Ordering and undergoing hair follicle testing in Taft, CA is designed to be a simple and confidential process, maintaining your privacy.
With minimal hassle, results are delivered in a secure manner, addressing all privacy concerns efficiently.
Confidentiality Assured: From the moment you schedule a test to receiving the results, every step is streamlined to prioritize ease of use.
In Taft, CA, our hair follicle testing services combine affordability with fast turnaround times, offering great value to businesses of any size.
Competitive pricing ensures budget-friendliness without compromising on result accuracy or speed.
Quick Results: Without unnecessary delays, companies can make timely decisions supported by reliable data, strengthening their operational efficiency.
In Taft, CA, hair follicle drug testing offers exceptional precision and prompt results. This method's remarkable accuracy in detecting substance use far surpasses that of traditional tests.
Consequently, individuals and organizations relying on these tests can expect trustworthy and speedy outcomes.
Fast and Reliable: You can count on hair testing for quick processing times, ensuring your decisions are based on timely information.
Employers in Taft, CA benefit from hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies and decreasing legal liabilities.
Enhanced Workplace Safety: By adopting this method, businesses can maintain a safer environment while guaranteeing policy adherence.
Peace of mind is achieved, as the process supports regulatory standards and checks potential substance abuse issues thoroughly.