Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a crucial means for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair can capture a comprehensive timeline of substance consumption by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When samples are taken close to the scalp, hair can offer close to a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample comprising 1.5 inches with roughly 200 strands of hair (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirming substances. For assessments involving EtG, additional testing, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. In cases where scalp hair isn’t accessible, the equivalent quantity of body hair may be considered. References to head hair pertain to scalp hair exclusively, while body hair denotes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary laboratory steps for processing a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates with the sample being processed into the laboratory’s system. This step confirms the sample’s seal and shipment accuracy, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening offers an initial rapid examination for drug presence. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, confirmed positive results are necessary for legal admissibility. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is gathered from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of positive screening results employs techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation aligns with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis concerns the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vista Santa Rosa, CA is evident through its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests provide an extensive timeline of substance use and are less susceptible to tampering compared to traditional urine tests. This makes them a reliable choice for workplaces, ensuring a drug-free environment while adhering to stringent testing requirements.
Extended Detection Window in Vista Santa Rosa, CA is a compelling advantage of hair follicle testing. This method offers up to a 90-day detection period, providing employers with a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. This extended window is invaluable for making informed hiring and monitoring decisions, assisting in maintaining a productive workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vista Santa Rosa, CA enhances the reliability of the hair follicle tests. The method significantly curtails the chance of sample tampering, ensuring that the results are reliable and indisputable. Employers and legal bodies can trust these results, gaining peace of mind knowing that the integrity of tests is maintained throughout.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vista Santa Rosa, CA provide unmatched accessibility to testing services. With numerous centers spread across the country, scheduling a test is quick and hassle-free, allowing individuals and companies alike to conveniently access reliable drug testing services, ensuring timely and efficient procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Vista Santa Rosa, CA is at the core of our hair follicle testing services. The process for scheduling, conducting, and receiving test results is straightforward and maintains confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns. This ensures users can undergo testing with ease and comfort, knowing their information is protected.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vista Santa Rosa, CA highlight our commitment to value and efficiency. Our cost-effective pricing models and quick test result turnaround times provide outstanding value for companies of all sizes. This ensures that organizations can maintain their drug-free workplace policies without undue financial or logistical strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Vista Santa Rosa, CA offer unmatched precision in drug detection. Hair follicle testing quickly delivers high-accuracy results, capturing a detailed snapshot of substance use. This method proves to be a superior choice for employers and legal entities aiming for swift and reliable screening, allowing them to make informed decisions without delays.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vista Santa Rosa, CA emphasize the importance of adhering to drug-free policies. Hair follicle testing helps in legal compliance, mitigating risks, and fostering a safe work environment. By adopting this method, employers can ensure the security of their workplace, providing assurance to both employees and stakeholders.
