Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Seen as increasingly powerful, hair testing is utilized for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By ensnaring biomarkers within a growing hair strand, hair provides an extended history of substance use. When clipped near the scalp, hair offers about a 3-month detection range for substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch clip of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp can yield 100mg, which is the perfect sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional testing, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is ideal. It's advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. When scalp hair isn’t accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. "Head hair" implies scalp hair specifically, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (e.g., facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test outcome encompasses four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step involves validating the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a non-sequential LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplemental data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid evaluation for drug offenses. While cost-effective for ruling out drug use in numerous samples, positive screens necessitate confirmation for court usage. Samples testing positive in Screening require a subsequent verification.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair from the sample is prepared for Extraction, which removes drugs at much lower concentrations than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), pinpointing hair testing as one of the most challenging methods.
Confirming any positive screen involves methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives are cleansed before verification as required. The whole lab procedure—from Accessioning to Confirmation—is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, excluding the scalp’s hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Oakland, LA
Traditional urine tests often lack the reliability and comprehensive scope of hair follicle tests. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy across a broad timeframe, making it a robust choice when compared to urine testing.
Employers and professionals benefit from hair tests due to their higher success rate in identifying drug use patterns. This enhanced reliability ensures that stakeholders can trust the results over conventional methods.
Extended Detection Window in Oakland, LA
Hair follicle tests offer an extended detection window of up to 90 days, providing deep insights into an individual's drug history. This advantage allows employers a broader understanding of an employee's substance use history beyond recent weeks.
Such an extensive window is valuable for maintaining safety and compliance in various settings. Employers utilize this feature to ensure only sober individuals are within their workforce, thus boosting safety standards.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Oakland, LA
The integrity of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. Compared to other methods, it significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, producing results that are dependable and beyond question.
This robust nature of hair testing ensures accurate detection, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable test against fraudulent practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Oakland, LA
With a network of nationwide testing centers, accessing our services is straightforward and hassle-free. In Oakland, LA, our local facilities ensure that testing services are convenient and quick, catering to the needs of various clients.
This extensive network simplifies the process, allowing individuals and businesses alike to engage with our services without cumbersome procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process in Oakland, LA
Our process is designed with simplicity and confidentiality at its core. Ordering and conducting a hair follicle drug test is straightforward, providing results securely and privately, addressing any concerns over privacy.
This discreet approach ensures that all involved can proceed through the testing method securely, with minimal stress or exposure of personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Oakland, LA
We offer competitive pricing positioned to deliver excellent value alongside quick result delivery. Our cost-effective strategies are suitable for organizations of any size, ensuring everyone can benefit from this essential service.
Fast turnaround times complement our affordability, providing peace of mind and prompt information, allowing companies to proceed with confidence.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Oakland, LA
Hair follicle drug tests provide rapid and trustworthy outcomes. The precision they offer is unmatched, allowing for accurate detection of substance use. Due to their efficiency, they have become an essential tool for many seeking reliable substance use information.
The speed of hair testing ensures that results are provided quickly, minimizing waiting times. This efficiency allows both employers and individuals to make informed decisions promptly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Oakland, LA
Hair follicle testing provides employers with an effective means to adhere to drug-free workplace policies. By utilizing this testing method, legal risks are minimized and workplace safety is enhanced, granting employers peace of mind.
Implementing hair testing not only ensures compliance but also protects organizations from potential liabilities, reinforcing their commitment to safety standards.
