Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of drug and alcohol use by securing biomarkers within the hairs as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can yield a detection window of up to three months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest the scalp, will produce 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial entry of a specimen into a lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample has been sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any data not included in an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen needs validation to hold up in court. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample appears positive in the Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result from Screening is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples that are presumptively positive are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: In Santa Clara, UT, the benefits of hair testing over traditional urine tests are unmistakable. Hair tests offer a long detection period and higher tamper resistance. Unlike urine tests, which detect substances only a few days after use, hair tests reveal drug history for up to 90 days, offering unmatched reliability and detection precision, crucial for maintaining safety and compliance in workplaces.
This higher detection accuracy positions hair testing as a superior method in drug screening.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Santa Clara, UT offers an exceptional detection window that spans up to 90 days, presenting employers with an extended timeline of an individual’s substance use. This extended period surpasses urine testing, which only traces substances for a few days, allowing a thorough assessment of an applicant or employee's drug background, thus fostering a safer and more responsible workplace.
This comprehensive historical insight differentiates hair testing, providing organizations an unparalleled tool for maintaining integrity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: The security of hair follicle testing in Santa Clara, UT is unmatched, significantly curbing the risk of tampering. Unlike urine tests, hair samples are difficult to adulterate, offering results that stand firm against attempts to cheat. This robust procedure ensures that companies receive reliable information, fostering trust and confidence in drug testing endeavors, and safeguarding integrity and objectivity.
The inherent resistance to tampering solidifies hair testing's role as a trusted option for drug screenings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Our presence in Santa Clara, UT and beyond offers unmatched convenience in accessing our services. Nationwide centers assure quick, easy, and hassle-free hair follicle testing, flexible to fit your scheduling needs. Local and extensive testing facilities simplify logistics for companies, highlighting our commitment to accessibility and excellence.
This structure supports diverse needs, ensuring seamless user experiences whenever testing is needed.
Simple, Confidential Process: In Santa Clara, UT, the hair follicle testing procedure is both straightforward and discreet. From the order to receiving results, every step guarantees privacy and simplicity, easing any concerns about confidentiality. This stress-free method protects personal information, enabling clients to engage with testing processes without compromising their comfort or privacy.
With ease and confidentiality at its core, the process exemplifies our commitment to client satisfaction.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: Our competitive pricing and swift processing times in Santa Clara, UT position us as a leader in drug testing services. We provide optimal value with quick turnaround, ensuring companies of all sizes save time and resources while securing peace of mind. This approach maximizes cost-efficiency, delivering high-quality services that reinforce organizational drug policies swiftly and reliably.
This blend of value and speed ensures our services cater effectively to an ever-evolving corporate landscape.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Santa Clara, UT, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and precision. The non-intrusive nature doesn't compromise on accuracy, capturing substances used over a broad timeframe. The swift results, often within days, empower employers to make informed decisions rapidly, ensuring both accuracy and efficiency.
Ultimately, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle testing make it a superior choice for substance detection needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Santa Clara, UT grants employers compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, mitigating legal liabilities and enhancing overall safety. Hair testing supports zero-tolerance policies with its extended detection and difficulty to adulterate, promoting a substance-free environment. This approach solidifies reliability while fostering a culture of transparency and responsibility.
Such advantages affirm the hair test's strategic importance in maintaining workplace security.