Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair holds a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collecting hair near the scalp allows for a detection period of roughly three months for alcohol and drug use. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and facile to transport.
A sample that is 1.5 inches long with approximately 200 hair pieces (comparable in width to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both assessment and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is suggested to have 150mg of the sample. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler's balance. In the absence of scalp hair, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing for a drug test outcome consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial input into a lab's system. It includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, distributing a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening conducts an initial rapid evaluation for drugs. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient solution for ruling out drug use on most samples, a positive screening result must be authenticated for legal acceptance. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a secondary validation.
If a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the starter sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting chemicals from hair at a significantly reduced concentration relative to other methods (such as urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug analysis is the most challenging methodology to execute.
Verification of a positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All suspected positive samples undergo washing in preparation for confirmation if required. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Verification is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination actually inspects the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing outperform urine screening in Tule Lake, CA? The answer lies in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests excel in identifying drug use over longer durations, demonstrating a significant advantage over traditional urine methods. This ensures a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use history.
With hair follicle testing in Tule Lake, CA, the detection window extends up to 90 days, offering a thorough view of one’s substance history. Employers benefit from the ability to assess past drug use, ensuring informed decisions regarding potential hires or monitoring employee conduct diligently compared to shorter window methods.
Hair follicle testing in Tule Lake, CA, is notably resistant to tampering, greatly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. This method ensures that the results delivered are both reliable and indisputable, providing confidence in the authenticity of the detected substance history.
Accredited Drug Testing’s widespread testing centers offer convenience in Tule Lake, CA. With accessible locations nationally, individuals and companies enjoy seamless access to our testing services. This widespread coverage ensures a stress-free and efficient experience, making drug testing hassle-free.
In Tule Lake, CA, our hair follicle testing process is both simple and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, the emphasis is on protecting privacy and ensuring ease of use. This method addresses privacy concerns while maintaining an effortless path from start to finish.
Competitive pricing in Tule Lake, CA, alongside quick turnaround times distinguishes our hair follicle testing services. Providing cost-effective solutions without compromising quality, organizations of any size can benefit from affordable options and swift results, ensuring value and reassurance.
In Tule Lake, CA, hair follicle tests are revered for their precision and swiftness, offering unmatched accuracy in detecting drug use. With results that are fast and dependable, this method stands out as the optimal choice for reliable screening, providing both employers and individuals peace of mind regarding substance use detection.
Employers in Tule Lake, CA, achieve compliance and tranquility by opting for hair follicle testing. This reliable method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigates legal risks, and enhances safety. With hair testing, businesses are assured of maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
