Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by encasing markers in the structure of the developing hair strand. When collected near the scalp, it can offer a detection window for alcohol and other substances of up to three months. This method of collection is easy, somewhat resistant to tampering, and can be transported easily.
A 1.5-inch sample of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for primary testing and verification. With EtG, additional tests, and/or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of the sample is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key phases in the laboratory handling of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase of sample processing in a laboratory system. This step ensures that the sample was securely sealed and sent, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data required outside an electronic custody chain system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, but a positive finding requires further validation for legal admissibility. Samples testing positive in Screening mandate a secondary verification.
If a sample tests positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or saliva), hence why hair drug tests are challenging to perform.
Positive results from Screening proceed to Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. Each laboratory phase from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often named "hair follicle tests", it is the hair shaft analyzed, not the follicle under the scalp.
The hair follicle drug test stands out as the superior method for substance detection in North Gate, CA. When compared to urine tests, hair tests offer unparalleled accuracy and reliability. The advantages of hair testing include not only the longer detection periods but also the inability to mask drug use. This method has become the favored choice for many employers committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
The extended detection window in hair follicle tests provides a substantial advantage by covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This feature grants employers in North Gate, CA, a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use. With such a comprehensive review, organizations can assess patterns of behavior, making informed staffing and safety decisions to protect their business interests.
This tamper-resistant testing method significantly reduces the potential for sample adulteration—making hair follicle tests remarkably reliable. In North Gate, CA, this testing option ensures that results aren’t just accurate but also remain beyond question, thus safeguarding the integrity of the testing process and allowing organizations to confidently act on the results.
Benefit from our nationwide and local testing locations in North Gate, CA, facilitating quick and seamless access to hair follicle testing services. With numerous centers available, the convenience afforded means time and effort savings in obtaining the necessary tests to comply with company or regulatory standards without unnecessary hassle.
The process of hair follicle testing in North Gate, CA, is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving the results, we address every privacy concern. By simplifying each step, we ensure that the experience remains discreet and user-friendly, reassuring all parties involved of an effortless process.
Our affordable pricing combined with the fast turnaround for hair follicle tests in North Gate, CA, provides exceptional value to businesses. These benefits apply to companies of all sizes, ensuring that they can maintain high standards in drug testing without incurring prohibitive costs or facing long wait times for conclusive results.
Located in North Gate, CA, hair follicle drug testing offers fast, accurate, and reliable results. This testing method delivers precise substance use detection. Known for its high accuracy, hair testing effectively identifies drug use, making it an essential tool for employers and organizations seeking dependable results that they can trust to make informed decisions about their workforce.
Employers in North Gate, CA, achieve compliance and peace of mind by adopting hair follicle tests. This approach not only ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies but also mitigates legal risks. Using hair tests reinforces workplace safety while building a trustworthy work environment, as it aligns with stringent guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies.
