Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strands as they grow. When hair is taken close to the scalp, it can reveal a detection period of nearly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, difficult to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch cutting of approximately 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil's diameter) from the scalp offers 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for analysis. For EtG, additional analysis, or panels greater than 10, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the hairs on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair indicate solely scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of entering a sample into a lab's database. This step includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any required data that isn't covered by an electronic chain-of-custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for illicit drugs. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most cases, a positive result must be verified to be legally valid. Any samples with a presumptive positive from Screening necessitate extra confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial specimen to ready for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at notably lower concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluids), which renders hair drug testing the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed 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: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Atwood, CA, surpasses urine testing by offering broader detection capabilities and increased accuracy. The main advantage lies in its ability to detect substance use over a more extended period, providing a reliable assessment of an individual's drug history. Unlike urine tests, which are limited to recent usage, hair tests capture an extensive range of drug exposure.
Reliability: The precision of hair testing ensures fewer false negatives, making it a trusted option for drug screening.
With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Atwood, CA, presents a comprehensive overview of substance use. This extensive timeframe allows employers to review an individual's substance history effectively, aiding in making informed hiring or retention decisions. By encompassing a prolonged period of drug exposure, these tests ensure a robust evaluation of an applicant or employee's drug use.
Comprehensive Insight: This method enables employers to assess long-term patterns of drug consumption.
Hair follicle tests in Atwood, CA, significantly reduce the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results. Unlike urine samples, which are subject to tampering or dilution, hair samples offer an integrity that is difficult to compromise. This resistance to manipulation makes hair testing a preferred method for stakeholders seeking definitive results in drug testing.
Secure Method: The inherent resilience against tampering provides peace of mind and confidence in the test's outcomes.
Our vast network of testing centers across the nation offers convenient access to hair follicle testing, even in Atwood, CA. This extensive reach ensures that you can quickly locate a facility for hassle-free testing services. Designed for ease, our locations promise a straightforward and readily accessible testing experience.
Convenience: With numerous centers, finding a nearby facility for your testing needs is simple and efficient.
The hair follicle testing process in Atwood, CA, is straightforward and ensures privacy, from ordering to obtaining results. The confidentiality of this process addresses privacy concerns while maintaining ease of use, catering to those apprehensive about the testing protocols.
Simplicity: With a seamless and clear procedure, the emphasis is on user convenience and confidentiality throughout every step.
In Atwood, CA, we offer competitively priced hair follicle tests combined with rapid results, providing excellent value for organizations of all sizes. The affordability of these services ensures that companies can benefit from reliable drug testing without financial strain.
Value for Money: Our cost-effective pricing structure, combined with speedy turnaround times, enhances the value proposition for businesses seeking efficient testing solutions.
In Atwood, CA, hair follicle drug tests deliver swift and precise results, setting a benchmark for reliable substance detection. The accuracy of these tests is unparalleled, ensuring a trustworthy assessment of drug use. By pinpointing even minimal traces of substances, they offer a conclusive report, making them a preferred choice for precision in drug testing protocols.
Speed: With rapid processing times, these tests provide quick turnarounds, allowing for timely decision-making.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Atwood, CA, helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus protecting against potential legal issues and enhancing safety. By adopting this testing method, companies can uphold stringent drug use standards, resulting in a more secure work environment and reduced liability risks.
Policy Adherence: This approach promotes adherence to regulations, offering reassurance to employers concerned with legal and safety standards.
