Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Paxton, CA

What it is, How it works

Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-term archive of alcohol and drug usage, capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When gathered near the scalp, hair allows a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and various substances. Hair collection is straightforward, resists tampering, and is easily shipped.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for assessment and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is suggested. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The primary steps involved in the lab procedures for evaluating a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab’s system. This process includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any extra data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening is an initial rapid assessment to detect abuse substances. While Screening offers a cost-effective method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive finding needs verification for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample show presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial collection and readied for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of a positive screening result uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection duration: Hair tests can recognize drug usage up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which possess shorter detection periods.
• Hard to manipulate: Hair tests are difficult to cheat, enhancing result accuracy.
• Offers historical insight: It provides an overview of drug use patterns over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Inability to identify recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair after approximately 5-7 days.
• Expense: Hair drug tests typically cost more than other testing methods.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these tests assess the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Paxton, CA, hair follicle drug testing significantly outshines traditional urine tests in many aspects. Superior Detection and Reliability are the cornerstones of hair testing, providing unmatched accuracy.
Compared to urine analysis, which has a limited detection period, hair testing offers a comprehensive overview of substance use over three months.

This long detection window enhances the reliability of tests, making hair follicle testing a preferred choice for organizations and agencies implementing strict drug policies.

Extended Detection Window

The Extended Detection Window of hair follicle tests in Paxton, CA, sets them apart from other drug testing methods. Hair testing provides insights into substance use over a prolonged duration, up to 90 days.
Employers gain a clearer understanding of an employee's historical drug use, ensuring better-informed hiring and monitoring decisions.

This capacity to detect drugs used over a lengthy timeframe makes hair follicle testing invaluable for comprehensive assessments of substance use histories.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

In Paxton, CA, hair follicle tests are valued for being tamper-resistant, greatly diminishing the potential for sample tampering. Tamper-Resistant Testing Methods ensure integrity, making results dependable.
The collection process itself is observed, further reducing risks of adulteration, in contrast to urine tests that are sometimes susceptible to falsification.

This reliability makes hair testing a trustworthy method for those prioritizing authentic outcomes in substance evaluation.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With numerous Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations, including in Paxton, CA, accessing hair follicle drug tests is hassle-free. Our strategically placed centers offer quick and efficient services.
This network of facilities ensures easy access, accommodating the needs of both local and national clients seeking reliable drug testing options.

Ease of access simplifies the testing process, supporting timely compliance and decision-making for businesses.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Paxton, CA, hair follicle testing is conducted using a Simple, Confidential Process, providing ease and privacy. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to be straightforward and discreet.
This ensures that individuals are comfortable with the testing, maintaining confidentiality and respecting privacy rights throughout the process.

Ease of use and privacy concerns are paramount, offering confidence to employers and individuals alike.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Paxton, CA, our hair follicle testing services are known for their Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround. Competitive rates combined with quick results provide exceptional value to enterprises of all sizes.
Such savings support company-wide drug policies, while rapid results help maintain operational efficiency.

The blend of cost-effectiveness and speed positions us as a preferred choice for businesses seeking dependable testing solutions.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle testing in Paxton, CA ensures both speed and precision in substance discovery. This method is renowned for its high-degree accuracy, providing reliable identification of substance abuse.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results ensure employers and individuals gain trust from each test conducted.

Employers in Paxton benefit from rapid results, helping to maintain timely decisions in their drug screening and policy enforcement.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Paxton, CA, achieve Compliance and Peace of Mind through hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This method of testing not only enhances safety but also reduces legal risks.
The extended detection period offers a thorough view of substance use, ensuring comprehensive compliance with strict employment standards.

Reduced chances of false negatives help maintain higher safety levels, giving employers confidence and assurance.

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