Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis emerges as a robust means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers an extensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When the sample is obtained near the scalp, it can extend the detection timeframe for substances to roughly 90 days. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.
A strand sampling of 1.5 inches comprising about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the dimensions of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, deemed optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. A jeweler’s scale is recommended for precise weighing. In scenarios lacking scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. References to head hair specifically denote scalp hair, while body hair includes all other variations (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The primary laboratory stages in processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning initiates the incorporation of a sample into the lab system, ensuring the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any pending data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. It offers a cost-efficient approach to flag potential drug consumption in most samples; nevertheless, a positive screening result must undergo confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples appearing presumptively positive in this stage necessitate an additional confirmation test.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive indication during Screening, additional hair from the specimen is utilized for Extraction, a process that involves isolating drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or saliva analysis, which underscores the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptive positive samples are subjected to cleansing as required prior to confirmation. Each laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is executed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though the term "hair follicle tests" is frequently used, this test examines the hair shaft and not the underlying follicle beneath the scalp.
In Occidental, CA, hair follicle testing proves superior over traditional urine tests. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests outshine urine analysis, detecting prolonged drug use with precision.
Hair testing boasts an extended detection period and higher precision, granting it an edge over urine testing for comprehensive drug use evaluation.
Emphasized by its extended detection period, hair follicle testing in Occidental, CA, offers a broad view into a person’s drug history, looking back up to 90 days.
This extended window aids employers in gaining thorough insight into an employee or candidate's substance use over an extended timeframe.
The robust nature of hair follicle testing in Occidental, CA, significantly diminishes the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring results are credible and reliable.
The tamper-resistant characteristics of hair tests provide dependable results, reducing the chances of adulteration and manipulation.
A network of nationwide testing centers, including those in Occidental, CA, offers convenient access to hair follicle testing services, ensuring a smooth and seamless process.
The availability of local and national testing facilities provides easy and hassle-free drug testing services nationwide.
The hair follicle testing process in Occidental, CA, is straightforward and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease from ordering to result reception.
Concerned about privacy? The process is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring stress-free testing procedures from start to finish.
With competitive pricing and quick results, our services in Occidental, CA, deliver excellent value and efficiency for businesses of varying sizes.
Our affordable rates and speedy turnaround times provide outstanding value, offering peace of mind to organizations, large and small.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug testing in Occidental, CA, is unparalleled. Results are not only swift but also highly accurate, making hair tests ideal for detecting substance use.
The high accuracy in assessing substance use through hair samples provides fast and reliable results, which are essential in both legal and employment contexts.
In Occidental, CA, implementing hair follicle testing in workplaces can align with drug-free policies, minimizing legal challenges and bolstering safety.
This testing methodology ensures policy compliance, fostering security and providing comfort to employers regarding regulation adherence and workplace safety.