Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive history of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the structure of the hair strand. When cut close to the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches comprising approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the perfect quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is recommended. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The core stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial sample processing into the lab's system. This entails confirming the sample was sealed and transported correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry not provided electronically via a chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid analysis for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for judicial acceptance. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening do require further confirmation.
If a sample returns a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for preparation in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screening results is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples with presumptive positive outcomes are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure—from Accessioning to Confirmation—is reviewed in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dallas, OR
Hair testing triumphs over traditional urine tests in several ways. Hair analysis offers a longer window for detecting drug use, providing a more detailed account of substance history. Also, its higher accuracy reduces the likelihood of false negatives, giving a clearer and more reliable picture.
Extended Detection Window in Dallas, OR
Hair follicle testing offers an unparalleled detection period, often revealing drug use over the past 90 days. This gives employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, going beyond what's available from short-term methods like urine tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dallas, OR
With hair follicle testing, the risks of adulterating or manipulating samples diminish significantly. This method ensures the utmost protection, delivering results that withstand scrutiny and remain beyond contestation, unlike urine tests which can be more easily altered.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dallas, OR
Accessing testing services is seamless with our broad network of testing centers scattered throughout the country, including local facilities in Dallas, OR. We ensure the process remains swift, easy, and without complications for everyone involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dallas, OR
Our testing protocols prioritize privacy and simplicity. From order intake to test administration and result delivery, each step is structured to maintain confidentiality and ease, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dallas, OR
Our competitive pricing structures align with fast result delivery, ensuring excellent value for businesses, big and small. Our efficient service meets the timing needs of our clients while maintaining affordability.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dallas, OR
The hair follicle drug test stands out for its speed and precision. When it comes to detecting substance use quickly, hair testing offers unmatched accuracy. Unlike other methods prone to error, hair analysis accurately pinpoints the substances used, giving a reliable overview of an individual's drug history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dallas, OR
Employers benefit from the reliability of hair follicle testing to comply with drug-free workplace mandates. This method reduces legal risks and bolsters workplace safety, sustaining employer confidence and protecting corporate interests.
