Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a detailed history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can present a detection timeline of approximately three months for drugs and alcohol. The collection of hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, additional testing, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Referencing head hair pertains only to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system, ensuring the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial assessment for substances of abuse. While it is a budget-friendly way to eliminate drug use in most cases, any positive result from Screening requires confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample be tentatively positive in the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug testing is regarded as the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not on the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in West Tehama, CA
Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests by offering a broader detection window and increased accuracy. Unlike urine tests, which are susceptible to circumvention, hair tests provide a tamper-resistant method with results that consistently showcase reliability. This ensures a higher standard of testing accuracy and confidence in results.
Extended Detection Window in West Tehama, CA
Hair follicle testing presents a significant advantage with its ability to spot drug use over a prolonged period of up to 90 days. This extensive detection window allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an employee or applicant's drug history, offering a more comprehensive overview for better decision-making in hiring or monitoring.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in West Tehama, CA
Hair follicle tests dramatically curtail the risk of sample tampering, ensuring trustworthy results. Their collection process minimizes the potential for manipulation, providing outcomes that are both reliable and defensible. This reliability offers assurance to employers and entities requiring stringent testing protocols.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in West Tehama, CA
We offer easily accessible testing centers throughout the nation, including local options in West Tehama. The convenience of widespread locations ensures a swift and hassle-free process for accessing our drug testing services, removing barriers to obtaining necessary results promptly.
Simple, Confidential Process in West Tehama, CA
Our hair follicle testing process is designed to be both straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, we prioritize ease of use and privacy for individuals. This simple, discreet process ensures that personal information is handled with care, alleviating concerns about confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in West Tehama, CA
Our competitive pricing and expedited result turnover assure excellent value. We cater to businesses of all sizes, promising not only affordability but also swift service. Our fast turnaround times are integral to providing peace of mind, ensuring employers receive rapid, reliable testing outcomes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in West Tehama, CA
Hair follicle drug tests excel in precision and speed, ensuring high accuracy in substance use detection. These tests are meticulously designed to deliver quick, reliable results, offering peace of mind to both employers and individuals. Their efficiency and dependability make them a standout choice for those needing confident assessments of drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in West Tehama, CA
Employing hair follicle testing in workplace settings ensures compliance with drug-free policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal liabilities. This method supports employers in maintaining a safe, drug-free environment, contributing to a more secure workplace culture and providing peace of mind through its effectiveness.
