Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can reflect substance use up to nearly a 3-month timeline. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for assessments. For EtG, optional tests, and/or screenings exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be utilized. When referring to head hair, this exclusively means scalp hair. Body hair refers to any other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory analysis of a drug result includes four crucial stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's records. This process involves ensuring that the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic custody chain.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use suspicions for most samples, a subsequent confirmation is necessary for legal acceptance. All samples that test potentially positive during Screening require additional verification.
If Screening indicates a sample as potentially positive, additional hair is used from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from the hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex techniques to conduct.
Verification of any positive screen outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples flagged as presumptive positives are cleansed before verification if necessary. The complete laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East La Mirada, CA
Compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle drug testing offers several advantages that enhance detection accuracy and reliability. One of the key benefits is the extended detection timeframe, which provides a more comprehensive understanding of drug use than urine tests.
Urine tests often provide a limited view of substance use due to their shorter detection window. Hair follicle tests, however, are superior in identifying longer-term drug use, making them an invaluable tool for employers in the East La Mirada area.
Extended Detection Window in East La Mirada, CA
Hair follicle drug testing excels in its ability to reveal drug use over an extensive timeframe of up to 90 days. This makes it an excellent choice for employers seeking a detailed history of an applicant or employee's substance use habits.
The extended detection window allows for a broader and more accurate view of an individual's drug use, offering invaluable insights to employers and improving the decision-making process for hiring and continued employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East La Mirada, CA
The resilience of hair follicle testing in East La Mirada is unmatched, as it considerably reduces the risk of sample adulteration. This testing method ensures that results are both reliable and trustworthy.
By significantly minimizing the potential for tampering, hair follicle tests provide a robust solution for accurate drug testing, reinforcing their reputation as a dependable choice for drug detection.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East La Mirada, CA
With numerous testing centers located nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing guarantees convenient and accessible processing of hair follicle tests in East La Mirada.
The presence of various local testing sites simplifies the process, making it quick, easy, and hassle-free for both employers and individuals to fulfill their testing requirements.
Simple, Confidential Process in East La Mirada, CA
The straightforward approach to ordering, administering, and obtaining hair follicle test results prioritizes confidentiality and user ease in East La Mirada.
This method ensures privacy concerns are addressed, and the stress-free process makes hair follicle testing an appealing option for users seeking simple and secure testing experiences.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East La Mirada, CA
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, delivering substantial value to companies seeking hair follicle testing for substance use in East La Mirada.
With cost-effective solutions paired with quick results, businesses can achieve peace of mind knowing they receive both efficiency and financial feasibility without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East La Mirada, CA
Hair follicle testing in East La Mirada offers rapid and precise detection of substance use. These tests are incredibly efficient at identifying drug traces, providing definitive results that meet the high standards of accuracy and speed expected in modern testing.
Employers and individuals alike benefit from the swift turnaround of hair follicle test results. This testing method ensures that informed decisions can be made quickly, thanks to the high level of accuracy achieved in detecting substances.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East La Mirada, CA
Hair follicle testing assists employers in East La Mirada in assuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly minimizing legal risks while boosting workplace safety.
By implementing hair follicle drug testing, employers can achieve compliance effortlessly, ensuring a safer and more secure working environment that reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
