Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronicle of alcohol and other drug use, capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair offers roughly up to a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Hair is uncomplicated to collect, presents challenges for tampering, and is straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or assessments over 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair may be obtained. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab analysis of a drug test are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is where the sample initially enters a lab's system, verifying its proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data tasks not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to detect drug use in most samples, positive findings necessitate confirmation for legal acceptance. Presumptive positive samples in Screening require an additional confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is secured from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug screening the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab testing process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Alamo Heights, TX, hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing by offering superior accuracy and reliability. Comparing benefits, hair testing is less susceptible to manipulation and provides an extensive drug use history. Employers prefer hair tests due to their longer detection window and difficulty to evade, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Alamo Heights, TX provides an extended detection window for substance use, up to 90 days. Employers benefit from comprehensive insights into an individual’s substance history, helping make informed hiring decisions.
Alamo Heights, TX sees hair follicle testing as a robust, tamper-resistant method. Hair tests significantly mitigate the risk of adulteration, ensuring the authenticity of results. This makes them more reliable than other testing methods.
Our presence extends nationwide, with convenient testing centers in Alamo Heights, TX. Access to testing is seamless, offering quick and hassle-free solutions for all testing needs. Individuals and businesses find it easy to meet testing requirements without difficulty.
The process of hair follicle testing in Alamo Heights, TX is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure ensures privacy and ease of use. This straightforward approach reassures individuals regarding their privacy concerns.
In Alamo Heights, TX, our hair follicle tests offer competitive pricing and fast turnaround. Affordable testing provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring peace of mind and cost-effective solutions.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Alamo Heights, TX are unmatched. Hair testing ensures fast and accurate detection of substances, providing dependable results. This efficiency makes hair testing the preferred choice for employers who seek quick insights into potential drug use.
In Alamo Heights, TX, hair follicle testing provides peace of mind and ensures compliance with workplace policies. Using hair tests enhances safety and reduces legal risks associated with drug use, promoting a secure working environment.
