Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized for its ability to detect drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers in the fibers, hair offers a long-term record of alcohol and drug use. Hair, collected near the scalp, provides a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. It is simple to collect, hard to adulterate, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment with about 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp produces 100mg, the ideal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. When discussing head hair, we refer solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample into a lab’s system. This step verifies the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not provided through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective strategy to eliminate drug usage in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be admissible in court. Any sample presumptively positive in Screening requires a secondary confirmation.
In the case of a presumptively positive sample during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening exceedingly challenging.
A positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before necessary confirmation. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed 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: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Middletown, CA, the advantages become clear. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and are more reliable, making them the preferred choice for situations demanding comprehensive substance use detection. Employers and legal systems benefit greatly from the enhanced security and dependability that hair testing provides over urine tests.
In Middletown, CA, hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This feature provides employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history. Unlike other testing methods, the broad detection window offers a comprehensive view into an applicant or employee's past, facilitating informed decision-making.
Hair follicle tests in Middletown, CA, provide a tamper-resistant approach to drug screening. The method significantly curtails sample adulteration, ensuring the reliability and authenticity of test results. This secure testing process minimizes the risk of false negatives or deception, offering peace of mind through its trustworthy outcomes.
With convenient testing locations nationwide, including those in Middletown, CA, accessing drug testing services is easy and hassle-free. Our widespread centers ensure quick and straightforward access to hair follicle tests, underscoring the emphasis on availability and convenience for our clients.
In Middletown, CA, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step prioritizes ease of use and privacy. Concerns related to confidentiality are addressed effectively, ensuring that the entire process is straightforward and respectful of personal information.
Offering affordable pricing and rapid turnaround times, our services in Middletown, CA, deliver exceptional value to companies of all sizes. The combination of competitive pricing structures and swift result delivery fosters financial ease and confidence, making hair follicle testing an attractive option for businesses.
In Middletown, CA, hair follicle drug testing is synonymous with precision and speed. This method offers high accuracy in detecting substances, ensuring results that can be trusted. The testing process is both swift and reliable, minimizing wait times while delivering detailed insights into substance use, which is crucial for maintaining a safe environment.
In Middletown, CA, utilizing hair follicle testing can greatly enhance compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It diminishes legal risks and fosters workplace safety, providing employers with the assurance that regulations are met satisfactorily. This contributes to a harmonious working environment and promotes overall peace of mind within companies.
