Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective means of detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair acts as a repository for long-term histories of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate detection period of three months for both alcohol and substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred specimen for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. It's suggested to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial introduction of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any missing data entry not already filled in by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary quick assessment for drugs of abuse. While it provides a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample tests positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the testing processes analyze the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Twin Peaks, CA, hair follicle testing stands out for its superior accuracy and reliability over urine tests. Unlike traditional methods, hair tests offer a much longer detection window, capturing a comprehensive history of substance use. This makes it invaluable for employers wishing to maintain a drug-free workspace.
The hair follicle testing method in Twin Peaks, CA, stands out due to its extended detection window. Testing captures substance use for up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough insight into an individual's drug history. Unlike other methods, this extended period allows for a more comprehensive assessment.
In Twin Peaks, CA, hair follicle testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature. The process minimizes the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both reliable and conclusive. This provides businesses with the confidence that their drug testing policies are both effective and genuine.
Convenient testing solutions are readily available in Twin Peaks, CA, and nationwide. Our multiple testing centers ensure that employees and job candidates have easy access to testing facilities. The process is designed to be quick, hassle-free, and user-friendly.
In Twin Peaks, CA, testing processes are designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to testing to result delivery, the steps are straightforward, ensuring individuals’ privacy is respected. Participants can be assured of a seamless experience with confidentiality maintained.
Twin Peaks, CA, offers hair follicle testing that combines affordability with rapid results. Our competitive pricing structures are matched with fast turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This ensures employers receive what they need without breaking the bank.
In Twin Peaks, CA, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Their precision and speed make them an essential choice when detecting substance use. Hair testing delivers a level of accuracy that surpasses other testing methods, ensuring employers receive trustworthy information.ul>
Employers in Twin Peaks, CA, can find compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By maintaining alignment with drug-free policies, organizations reduce legal risks and bolster workplace safety. This testing method is invaluable in promoting a secure and compliant working environment.