Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are now viewed as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal up to about a three-month use history for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and it is convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5 inches, composed of approximately 200 hairs (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not an option, body hair in an equivalent amount may be used. Specifically, head hair refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses other hair varieties (such as facial, or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test is comprised of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary treatment of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This procedure checks that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishes any leftover data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial, swift examination for substance abuse. It is an economical method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, but a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal acceptability. Samples yielding presumptively positive findings in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original supply and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are withdrawn from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenges of hair drug analysis.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug examinations:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in San Pedro, TX lies in its superior capability to detect drugs with remarkable accuracy over extended periods. Unlike urine tests, which primarily detect recent use, hair follicle testing excels in consistency and reliability. This method not only serves as a testament to efficacy but also offers unparalleled insight into the tested subject's drug history, giving a clearer picture beyond recent consumption.
Extended Detection Window in San Pedro, TX through hair follicle testing affords employers a detailed insight into an individual's drug use, spanning up to 90 days. This prolonged detection capacity proves invaluable, equipping organizations with a comprehensive perspective on a candidate's or employee's substance history. This far-reaching window is unmatched by traditional testing options, offering broader reliability in evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in San Pedro, TX ensures the integrity of hair follicle tests, significantly lowering the probability of sample manipulation. The nature of hair analysis inherently defends against adulteration attempts, providing trustworthy and definitive results. This robustness ensures that the screening reflects genuine data, establishing confidence in the obtained results and aiding in informed decision-making processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in San Pedro, TX offer quick and easy access to testing centers, eliminating stress and ensuring a seamless experience. With Accredited Drug Testing facilities spread nationwide, individuals and companies benefit from comprehensive reach and accessibility. This broad network spans every city, prioritizing user convenience and facilitating efficient testing processes.
Simple, Confidential Process in San Pedro, TX addresses privacy and ease-of-use concerns efficiently. The streamlined process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results maintains confidentiality at every step, ensuring user comfort. This method respects privacy, offering a straightforward approach that simplifies the complexities of drug testing, reinforcing trust in the service provided.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in San Pedro, TX ensure that companies of all sizes can access valuable testing services without financial strain. Accredited Drug Testing prides itself on competitive pricing and swift result delivery, presenting clients with great value and peace of mind. This combination of affordability and speed makes hair follicle testing an attractive choice for businesses needing prompt and cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in San Pedro, TX are achievable with hair follicle drug testing, known for its exceptional accuracy in identifying substance use. The methodology ensures that results are both rapid and precise, minimizing the chance of false negatives or positives. For those seeking definitive answers within a brief window, this testing proves advantageous without compromising on detail or reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in San Pedro, TX are achieved by implementing hair follicle testing, supporting adherence to drug-free workplace regulations. By reducing legal risks and promoting safety, this testing serves as a critical tool for organizations aiming to maintain a compliant and secure working environment. Employers gain assurance and tranquility, knowing drug use can be reliably monitored and managed.
