Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair shaft offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within its strands as it grows. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can reveal a substance use history spanning up to three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and simple to transport.
Getting a 1.5-inch piece of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the dimensions of a #2 pencil) from the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and validation. For achieving accurate results in EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, it's advisable to use 150mg of the sample. It's suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't present, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. Referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair indicates any other type of hair (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The primary steps in the lab procedure for a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the beginning stage where a sample is integrated into a lab system. This process consists of ensuring the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing supplemental data entry that an electronic chain of custody system hasn't covered.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment of drugs of abuse. Even though Screening offers a budget-friendly approach to eliminate evidence of drug use across most samples, confirming a positive result is essential for court acceptance. Any samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening need additional verification.
If during the Screening stage a sample is potentially positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at a concentration much lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which accounts for hair drug tests being the most challenging to conduct.
Verification of any positive initial findings is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily identified as positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entirety of the lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and with accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", they examine the hair itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Addison, TX, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior option to traditional urine tests. While urine tests are limited to recent usage, hair tests can capture a longer history of substance use, providing a more accurate and reliable assessment. This comprehensive approach allows for a thorough understanding of an individual's drug history.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Addison, TX, is a noteworthy advantage. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, these tests offer a detailed overview of an individual's substance history. Employers benefit from this insight, which aids in making informed decisions regarding potential employees.
By utilizing hair follicle tests in Addison, TX, the risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced. This tamper-resistant method ensures the integrity and reliability of the testing process, providing results that can be trusted without question.
Conveniently placed nationwide testing centers in Addison, TX, ensure individuals have quick access to our services. This network provides a hassle-free way to perform essential drug tests, ensuring everyone can access testing efficiently, regardless of their location.
The process for hair follicle testing in Addison, TX, is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, the procedure addresses privacy concerns and is designed for ease of use, making it practical and discrete for all involved parties.
In Addison, TX, hair follicle tests offer affordable pricing alongside fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value for companies of all sizes, while timely results offer reassurance and swift decision-making for businesses.
Hair follicle drug testing in Addison, TX, is known for its speed and accuracy. These tests provide precise outcomes in detecting substance use due to their advanced methodology. The high accuracy of hair tests ensures they offer reliable results promptly, making them an excellent choice for fast-paced environments.
For employers in Addison, TX, hair follicle testing offers compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and promotes a safe work environment, granting peace of mind with tested employees adhering to policy guidelines and enhancing overall safety.
