Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term alcohol and drug histories by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of a growing strand. If collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 3-month detection span for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields about 100mg, which is ideal for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for measurement. When scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent body hair amount may be collected. By head hair, we mean scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts the initial processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This action verifies proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a quick initial check for drug abuse. While it is cost-efficient for excluding drug usage in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to stand in court. Samples presumptively positive in Screening require secondary verification.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening phase, more hair is sourced from the initial sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredits to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Winterhaven, CA, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. Hair tests offer a superior detection window and are more challenging to tamper with. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent drug usage, hair tests analyze drug consumption over an extended period, making them invaluable for comprehensive substance use assessment.
Hair follicle testing in Winterhaven, CA, provides a longer detection window for drug use, lasting up to 90 days. This extended period allows employers to gain a comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance use history, far beyond what traditional methods like urine testing can offer.
By using hair samples, companies can more effectively monitor and ensure a drug-free environment in the workforce.
Winterhaven, CA businesses can rely on hair follicle testing for its tamper-resistant attributes. Unlike urine tests, which can be easily manipulated, hair tests provide trustworthy results that are difficult to adulterate. This resistance to manipulation offers indisputable findings, minimizing the risk of false negatives or sample contamination and ensuring accurate representations of substance use.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient nationwide locations, including local centers in Winterhaven, CA. Our widespread network ensures that testing services are accessible and hassle-free, allowing individuals and businesses to quickly fulfill their testing needs without inconvenience.
In Winterhaven, CA, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the process ensures privacy and user-friendliness. Addressing privacy concerns is our priority, and we ensure ease of use throughout the entire testing procedure.
Providing affordable pricing and rapid results, Accredited Drug Testing in Winterhaven, CA offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures coupled with fast turnaround times provide peace of mind and quality service without breaking the budget.
At Accredited Drug Testing in Winterhaven, CA, we offer swift and precise hair follicle tests that provide reliable results. By focusing on hair samples, we ensure a higher level of accuracy in detecting substances, making them an optimal choice for various testing needs.
Hair analyses offer rapid turnaround without compromising result quality, making them an ideal choice for those who require trustworthy conclusions in a short timeframe.
Employers in Winterhaven, CA, can achieve compliance and peace of mind by implementing hair follicle testing. This testing method supports adherence to drug-free policies, reducing legal liabilities and improving safety in the workplace. A hair test's reliable and thorough assessment reinforces a secure environment for both employees and management.
