Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By holding onto biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow, hair provides a comprehensive historical record of substance use. When hair is taken from close to the scalp, it can show evidence of drug and alcohol use for up to about 3 months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches in length with approximately 200 strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp is required to obtain 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for analysis. For EtG, additional tests, and/or when more than 10 panels are needed, a 150mg sample is preferred. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for measurement. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, involving the sample’s entry into the lab’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the next phase, offering an initial swift assessment for drug abuse. Though cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court admissibility. Presumptively positive samples in Screening require confirmation testing.
For samples that show presumptive positives in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than those in other testing methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing the most complex procedure.
The Confirmation stage for any positive screening result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary samples are washed before confirmation. The full lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the standards of ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vinton, CA is due to superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair testing offers significant insights by examining drug and alcohol use over an extended time compared to traditional urine tests. This method captures a broader timeframe and offers substantial benefits, ensuring more comprehensive results than urine-based assessments.
The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle testing in Vinton, CA is a crucial advantage for employers. By analyzing the hair, it's possible to detect drug usage over a prolonged period, up to 90 days, offering a detailed insight into an individual’s substance use history. This information is essential for making informed decisions regarding employment and safety.
Hair follicle testing in Vinton, CA boasts of being a Tamper-Resistant Testing Method. The nature of this test significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, presenting results that are reliable and indisputable. This method secures the integrity of the testing process, ensuring that the outcomes are trusted and valid.
Accredited Drug Testing offers Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations including spots in Vinton, CA. The vast network of centers means accessing testing services is quick, straightforward, and free from hassles. This ease ensures that no matter where you are, a testing location is always within reach.
In Vinton, CA, we offer a Simple, Confidential Process for drug testing. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, each stage is designed to be straightforward and private. This process alleviates concerns regarding confidentiality and practical use, ensuring that individuals feel secure while managing their testing needs.
Our Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround solutions in Vinton, CA provide excellent value. Competitive pricing structures coupled with quick processing times give companies, regardless of size, peace of mind. Such offerings ensure returning clients who prioritize both cost and speed of results.
When it comes to achieving fast, accurate, and reliable results in Vinton, CA, hair follicle testing stands out. Its precision is unparalleled, ensuring high accuracy levels in detecting the presence of substances. This method ensures quick turnaround times without compromising on reliability, making it a top choice for both employers and individuals seeking dependable results.
Employers keen on maintaining workplace integrity in Vinton, CA can find Compliance and Peace of Mind with hair follicle testing. This method assists in aligning with drug-free policies, thereby reducing legal confrontations and enhancing the overall safety of the working environment.