Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is highly regarded as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the structure of the hair fiber, hair offers a more extended history of substance use. When hair is collected nearest to the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug exposure for up to a three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A sample approximately 1.5 inches long and consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests more comprehensive than 10 panels, or including EtG or additional analyses, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes other types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step confirms the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and handles any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for drug substances. It's a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples; however, for a positive result to be valid in court, confirmation is necessary. Presumptive positives identified in Screening require another level of confirmation.
In the event of a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this procedure, substances are removed from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid testing), posing a challenge for hair drug screening execution.
Confirmation of positive results from Screening is performed using either GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Tahoe Vista, CA, hair follicle tests are a superior alternative to traditional urine tests. These tests provide unmatched detection accuracy and dependability, surpassing more conventional methods. The extended window and reduced chance of tampering make hair testing the preferred choice.
With hair follicle testing in Tahoe Vista, CA, detection of drug use spans up to 90 days, offering employers a broader view of an individual’s substance history. This extended detection period is vital for making informed decisions about potential or current employees.
In Tahoe Vista, CA, hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the risk of sample tampering. These tests provide a robust method of obtaining reliable results, as the process significantly deters adulteration and ensures the integrity of the findings.
With convenient testing locations in Tahoe Vista, CA, and nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. Our widespread testing centers provide easy access, allowing you to obtain necessary services with minimal effort.
In Tahoe Vista, CA, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to result retrieval, each step respects privacy, ensuring a hassle-free and discreet experience for all involved, addressing common privacy concerns.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Tahoe Vista, CA, hair follicle testing provides excellent value for businesses of any size. The affordability and efficiency of our services guarantee peace of mind without compromising on quality.
Hair follicle tests in Tahoe Vista, CA, are known for their speed and precision. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use offers dependable results for various testing needs. This method ensures fast, accurate evaluations, enhancing trust in the results delivered.
Employers in Tahoe Vista, CA, can secure peace of mind by implementing hair follicle drug testing. This method ensures compliance with drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities, and promoting a safer work environment. Employers can trust that their workplace remains compliant and secure.
