Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in the hair's fibrous structure as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and containing about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or to test beyond 10 panels, it's advised to gather 150mg of the sample. It's recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing. If scalp hair isn't available, a proportional amount of body hair can be collected. 'Head hair' exclusively refers to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test result in a laboratory includes four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) at random, and finishes any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary inspection for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, confirmation is necessary for a positive screen to be legally valid. Samples that test positive at this stage will undergo further confirmation.
If the Screening stage yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair during this phase at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence making hair testing a challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive Screening result is performed using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed through CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation occurs on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Alamo Oaks, CA, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine tests due to its accuracy in detecting drug use. Hair testing excels with its extended detection period and reliability, key factors for employers and authorities. Unlike urine tests, which cover short-term usage, hair tests offer insights into long-term patterns, making them invaluable for comprehensive screening.
Hair follicle testing in Alamo Oaks, CA, uncovers substance use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window provides employers with a thorough overview of an individual's drug history. Detailed insights enable informed decision-making in workplace policies and individual assessments, promoting a safer, drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes tampering risks in Alamo Oaks, CA. With its inherent resistance to adulteration, the method ensures reliable results. Unlike other tests susceptible to manipulation, it provides a solid foundation for trust in findings, supporting credible decisions across various contexts.
Convenience is paramount with our nationwide testing centers, including local services in Alamo Oaks, CA. Enjoy easy access to testing facilities, streamlining the process for individuals and businesses alike. With quick, hassle-free testing options, we prioritize accessibility and efficiency for all clients.
In Alamo Oaks, CA, our simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing eases concerns around privacy. Seamlessly order, conduct, and receive results, experiencing clarity at each step. The straightforward approach ensures users receive accurate outcomes with minimum inconvenience, prioritizing user comfort.
Our affordable pricing in Alamo Oaks, CA, highlights the value of hair follicle testing without compromising speed. Quick turnaround times make this service accessible to various companies, regardless of size. Cost-effective solutions paired with speedy results promise unmatched peace of mind during critical assessments.
Experience fast and accurate results with hair follicle testing in Alamo Oaks, CA. Renowned for its precision, this method swiftly detects substances, ensuring reliable conclusions. With high accuracy rates, professionals and employers gain complete assurance in their findings, swiftly integrating these robust tests into their procedures.
For employers in Alamo Oaks, CA, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Offering peace of mind, this testing reduces legal concerns and enhances safety, key objectives for organizations. Through reliable detection methods, companies can support drug-free initiatives effectively, fostering a secure work environment.
