Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant application for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a history of alcohol and drugs over a longer timeframe by retaining biomarkers within the structure of the extending hair strand. If gathered near the scalp, hair can suggest a detection window of nearly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (roughly the same as a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, making it the optimal specimen for screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests involving more than 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the hair sample is advised. In cases where scalp hair is unobtainable, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. References to head hair mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps engaged in the lab analysis of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's introduction into a lab's framework. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, provides a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any supplementary data input not given by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is an affordable approach to dismiss drug use on most samples, a positive outcome must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample is provisionally positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and advanced for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), justifying why hair drug testing is notoriously complex.
Confirmation for any positive screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab approach from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes assessment under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and has accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle testing in West Imperial, CA showcases superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which may only detect recent drug use, hair testing provides a broader perspective on an individual's substance history. Its ability to trace drug use over months rather than days offers invaluable insights, useful for stringent workplace or judicial requirements.
Hair follicle testing in West Imperial, CA offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance use history over a meaningful span, surpassing short-term indicators found in urine tests. This long-period detection ensures a thorough understanding and assessment of long-term substance use patterns.
West Imperial, CA benefits from hair follicle tests that significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. Due to its unique nature, altering or adulterating hair samples is extremely challenging, thus ensuring the integrity of the test. This method stands as a highly reliable option, delivering trustworthy and unquestionable results that instill confidence in both testers and employers.
With numerous testing facilities, West Imperial, CA enjoys convenient access to hair follicle testing. Our nationwide centers ensure that testing services are quick, easy, and hassle-free when scheduling an appointment, with local locations available for added convenience. This network of facilities supports businesses in managing drug testing requirements efficiently and effectively.
The hair follicle testing process in West Imperial, CA is simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, each stage is designed for ease and privacy. This approach provides peace of mind to those involved, ensuring their data is handled with care and respect throughout the testing process, fostering trust and transparency.
In West Imperial, CA, we offer affordable pricing for hair follicle tests with a promise of fast turnaround. Our competitive pricing structure guarantees exceptional value, catering to businesses of all sizes. Alongside this, swift result delivery allows companies to act quickly, maintaining operations with confidence.
Hair follicle drug tests in West Imperial, CA stand out for their precision and swiftness. With cutting-edge technology, these tests deliver timely and accurate results, confirming substance use with high reliability. The efficiency of processing ensures that individuals and organizations receive definitive answers without delay, supporting informed decision-making and proactive measures.
Employers in West Imperial, CA can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Supplementing or replacing older methods, this testing upholds drug-free policies seamlessly, reducing legal exposures and bolstering workplace safety. Employers can trust this method to maintain a secure working environment by aligning with law and policy.
