Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has become recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing strand. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol usage for nearly three months. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG additions and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for measurement is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is not available, the collection of a similar volume of body hair is permissible. When citing head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (beard, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four significant phases in a laboratory drug test procedure include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the first step of incorporating a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid evaluation for substance abuse. While a cost-effective strategy to exclude drug use for most samples, to be accepted in legal proceedings, a positive screen necessitates confirmation. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening mandate a secondary confirmation.
Whenever a sample displays a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and processed for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from the hair at a much-diluted concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcomes is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumption-positive samples undergo a washing process prior to confirmation, as necessary. The complete laboratory cycle from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the sub-scalp follicle.
Hair Follicle Testing vs. Urine Testing: In Houston, DE, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy over urine tests. It provides a comprehensive view of drug history, capable of identifying substances not detectable in urine after a short period.
Advantages of Hair Analysis: The method is more reliable and less susceptible to evasion attempts. It stands out for extended monitoring, furnishing more trustable results compared to traditional urine assessments.
Long-Term Detection in Houston, DE: One compelling benefit of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window—up to 90 days. This time frame gives employers a more thorough assessment of an individual's substance usage, extending beyond recent activities.
Enhanced Monitoring: Organizations gain better insight into employees’ drug habits, employing this method to maintain safer and more trustworthy work environments through informed hiring decisions.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant: Hair follicle testing in Houston, DE substantially minimizes the risk of sample tampering, providing incontrovertible results that stand up to scrutiny.
Reliability in Results: The robust nature of hair analysis leaves little room for manipulation, assuring stakeholders of the test’s integrity and authenticity, playing a critical role in stringent compliance processes.
Extensive Reach in Houston, DE and Beyond: Our testing locations are strategically positioned nationwide, delivering accessible and convenient drug testing services to everyone, facilitating seamless scheduling and reduced travel.
Effortless and Hassle-Free: For those in Houston, these testing centers provide fast, reliable, and efficient service, ensuring everyone can easily access necessary testing without unnecessary hurdles.
Effortless and Confidential: The hair testing process in Houston, DE is both straightforward and private. Order, collect, and receive your results easily, with privacy assured every step of the way.
Simplified Procedures: Navigating through our processes is intuitive, ensuring your testing journey is as smooth and confidential as possible, addressing any concerns about privacy effortlessly.
Cost-Effectiveness and Quick Results in Houston, DE: We offer competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround, meaning businesses get the best value without compromising on the quality and speed of results.
Value and Efficiency: Regardless of company size, our drug testing services ensure economic efficiency, helping maintain budget constraints while delivering exceptional testing quality.
Swift, Reliable Outcomes in Houston, DE: Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, providing high accuracy in detecting substance use. The method's reliability ensures that organizations can make informed decisions rapidly.
Efficiency and Proficiency: Our Houston centers pride themselves on delivering impeccable results swiftly, ensuring you receive accurate substance use insights without delay, supporting critical screening processes.
Employer Assurance and Compliance in Houston, DE: Hair follicle testing is pivotal for companies upholding drug-free workplaces, ensuring compliance and safeguarding against legal challenges and safety risks.
Fostering Workplace Safety: With stringent policies, organizations can actively reduce risks and liabilities, fostering an environment where safety and well-being are top priorities.
