Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now a recognized method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair provides a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. Collected close to the scalp, it offers roughly a 3-month detection timeline for drugs and alcohol. Hair is easy to collect, difficult to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample of approximately 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal portion of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four principal steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's framework. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any pending data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening is an expedited initial examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently rules out drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive result must be validated for courtroom acceptability. Samples presumed positive in Screening demand secondary confirmation.
If Screening reveals a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All presumptive positive samples receive a wash before confirmation as required. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Turlock, CA, offers distinct benefits over traditional urine tests. It provides superior detection accuracy by analyzing hair samples, which can showcase long-term drug use history. Employers prefer this method to ensure adherence to workplace policies.
Reliability stands as a key advantage since hair tests are less prone to tampering. This makes them a go-to choice for mandatory testing where accuracy cannot be compromised.
Hair follicle testing in Turlock, CA, allows for an extended detection window, observing drug use up to 90 days prior. This broad timeframe gives employers a clearer understanding of an individual’s substance habits over an extended period.
Unlike other tests, hair testing provides comprehensive insights into a person’s drug use history. This long-term detection capability is invaluable when assessing a subject’s lifestyle and compliance.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests in Turlock, CA, drastically reduces the risk of sample manipulation. This ensures that results remain trustworthy and unquestionable across various testing scenarios.
Hair tests involve collecting samples under strict supervision, making it nearly impossible to adulterate the sample. This enhances the integrity of the testing process, upholding the accuracy of the results.
With nationwide testing locations, Turlock, CA residents find it convenient to access our organized hair follicle testing services. Our widespread centers facilitate quick and easy testing, reducing the hassle often associated with finding a reliable testing site.
Both local and national centers ensure that tests are conducted smoothly and efficiently. The wide availability means testees can schedule their tests without delay, ensuring a smooth process.
The process in Turlock, CA, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each stage is designed for ease, ensuring privacy and simple navigation.
Clients appreciate the seamless ordering method that securely preserves their confidentiality.
Steps to complete testing maintain privacy and efficiency, reassuring individuals who may feel concerned about personal data sensitivity or procedural complexities.
In Turlock, CA, our hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing while maintaining great quality. Competitive pricing structures cater to businesses of all sizes seeking cost-effective testing solutions.
With a fast turnaround from testing to results, we provide quick insights to employers, ensuring minimal waiting periods. Customers gain excellent value, balancing cost with the assurance of precise results.
In Turlock, CA, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their speed and precision. The process ensures quick detection of substance use, offering results that are both accurate and swift. This method grants employers confidence in the reliability of results.
By employing advanced technology, hair follicle tests deliver faster turnaround times without sacrificing accuracy. This efficiency in processing makes hair tests a preferable choice for those in need of immediate results.
Hair follicle testing brings compliance and peace of mind to employers in Turlock, CA. It aligns with drug-free policies and minimizes legal liabilities, enhancing workplace safety seamlessly.
By adopting hair testing, organizations can ensure that their drug-free workplace protocols are upheld consistently. This maintains a safe environment for all employees, promoting a culture of safety and responsibility.
