Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained prominence as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair can supply a detection timeframe of up to around three months for both alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. By scalp hair, we mean hair from the head, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug tests comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial assimilation of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step entails verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in most samples, any positive screen needs confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample registers as presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as required. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Opt for Hair Follicle Over Urine Testing in West Puente Valley, CA?
Hair follicle tests offer a superior alternative to urine tests by offering a more comprehensive detection window. Unlike urine tests, which are more suited for recent drug use, hair tests provide a panoramic view of up to 90 days. This extensive detection scope gives employers in West Puente Valley a distinct advantage in enforcing drug-free policies more effectively.
Extended Detection Window of Hair Follicle Testing in West Puente Valley, CA
One of the standout benefits of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug usage patterns over a span of up to 90 days, this method presents employers with a thorough understanding of an employee or candidate's substance history, surpassing the capabilities of conventional tests.
Uncompromised Tamper-Resistant Testing in West Puente Valley, CA
Hair follicle tests inherently resist tampering, providing a more reliable analysis than other test forms. The design of these tests makes it extremely challenging for individuals to adulterate samples, ensuring that results are both credible and verifiable, establishing trust among stakeholders in West Puente Valley.
Extensive Local and Nationwide Testing Locations in West Puente Valley, CA
The convenience of our widespread network of testing centers makes the process of hair follicle testing straightforward. West Puente Valley residents can easily access both local and nationwide services, ensuring that testing is both expedient and hassle-free, eliminating delays and improving the overall testing experience.
Effortless and Confidential Hair Testing in West Puente Valley, CA
Navigating drug testing doesn’t have to be complex. Our process is designed to be both simple and private, from ordering tests to receiving results. In West Puente Valley, residents can expect a seamless process that ensures confidentiality and privacy, addressing any personal concerns with utmost care.
Competitive Pricing and Rapid Results in West Puente Valley, CA
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle drug tests provide outstanding value for companies of all sizes. In West Puente Valley, businesses can enjoy the dual benefits of affordability and efficiency, ensuring timely insights into drug use without straining their budget.
Fast and Reliable Hair Follicle Drug Testing in West Puente Valley, CA
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled. Within a short timeframe, these tests yield accurate results, comprehensively assessing substance use. Their high sensitivity not only helps in identifying long-term drug use but also assures stakeholders of trustworthy outcomes, giving a definitive edge over traditional methods.
Hair Follicle Testing for Employer Compliance in West Puente Valley, CA
For employers, maintaining compliance and ensuring workplace safety is crucial. Hair follicle testing offers peace of mind by supporting drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal risks associated with drug use and enhancing safety, employers can foster a more secure work environment, essential to organizational success.
