Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Southeast Marin, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair analyses have gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encases a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers in the strands of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.

An ideal 1.5-inch sample consisting of about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg, optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The testing process in a laboratory involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the initial integration of a sample into the lab system. This step ensures the sample is sealed, shipped correctly, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening provides a preliminary check for abuse substances. While a cost-effective means to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening need a secondary verification.

A presumptive positive in Screening necessitates more hair being extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging method to conduct.

A positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection timeframe: Hair drug tests can identify drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests with a shorter window.
• Hard to manipulate: It is difficult to tamper with a hair drug test, enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides usage history: It offers a pattern of drug use over extended periods, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days post-use.
• Expense: Hair drug tests are often pricier than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth rates can affect drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Southeast Marin, CA

• When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests, the superior detection accuracy and reliability of hair tests stand out. Hair testing identifies substances longer after use, offering a clearer picture of an individual's drug history. Its reliability surpasses urine testing, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking stringent testing standards.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Southeast Marin, CA

• Hair follicle tests offer an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers to gain a complete picture of an applicant's or employee's past substance use. This method captures long-term usage patterns that are missed by shorter detection methods like urine tests.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Southeast Marin, CA

• The integrity of hair follicle tests is a key advantage, significantly reducing opportunities for sample adulteration. This reliability in results furnishes employers and authorities with trustworthy data, essential for making informed decisions regarding drug use policies.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Southeast Marin, CA

• With numerous testing centers across the country, including local spots in Southeast Marin, accessing hair follicle testing services is seamless and hassle-free. This widespread availability ensures efficiency and ease in obtaining necessary tests without delay.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Southeast Marin, CA

• The entire process of ordering, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is designed to be straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns of users while ensuring a stress-free experience.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Southeast Marin, CA

• Our competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times make hair follicle drug testing a valuable option for businesses of all sizes. Companies benefit from cost-effective solutions paired with quick results, enhancing operational efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Southeast Marin, CA

• Hair follicle drug testing delivers precision and speed unmatched by other methods, ensuring high accuracy in substance detection. Results are typically available quickly, allowing for timely decision-making. This accuracy aids in understanding an individual's current and past substance use patterns.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Southeast Marin, CA

• Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace initiatives, curbing legal liabilities and enhancing overall workplace safety. Employers can rest assured knowing their drug testing methods align with best practices, offering peace of mind.

Drug Testing Near Southeast Marin, CA

Kentfield, CA

Muir Beach, CA

Greenbrae, CA

San Quentin, CA

Larkspur, CA

Tiburon, CA

Corte Madera, CA

Sausalito, CA

Mill Valley, CA

Homestead Valley, CA

Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA

Marin City, CA

Alto, CA