Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use, including both drugs and alcohol. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows, hair offers an extended history of substance use. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol intake over an approximately three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, i.e., about 200 hair strands (comparable to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. Note that 'head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair, while 'body hair' covers all other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result consists of four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial process where a sample is logged into a lab's system. This stage ensures that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs an initial check for substances of abuse. While cost-effective for eliminating drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any presumptive positives from Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
For samples indicated as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial batch for Extraction. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging to execute.
Positive screening results are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation, as needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
For Alba, TX, hair follicle testing offers superior advantages over traditional urine testing. The heightened precision and reliability of hair testing surpass urine tests, offering better detection accuracy.
Hair tests provide employers with a reliable tool to implement robust anti-drug use policies, offering an edge in maintaining a drug-free environment.
In Alba, TX, hair follicle testing is invaluable for its extensive drug detection window that can cover up to 90 days, providing a thorough overview of an individual's drug use history.
Employers gain a comprehensive understanding of employees' or applicants' substance habits, ensuring informed decision-making in the workplace.
Alba, TX emphasizes the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests, significantly reducing the chances of sample tampering and assuring unquestionable results.
These tests are collected under observation, providing employers with confidence in the sample's validity and integrity.
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including in Alba, TX, ensures fast and convenient access to drug testing services.
With numerous locations, individuals can experience hassle-free testing, allowing for seamless employment and safety checks.
In Alba, TX, the hair follicle testing process is streamlined and confidential, ensuring a simple and private experience for all test takers.
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results is designed to secure confidentiality, providing comfort and ease to individuals undergoing testing.
In Alba, TX, we offer hair follicle testing with competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, delivering exceptional value to businesses of all sizes.
Our cost-effective pricing and quick results empower companies to maintain their anti-drug policies without financial strain.
In Alba, TX, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and dependability. The precision in identifying substance use through hair strands ensures consistently accurate results.
The agile process of hair testing enables swift identification of drug traces, establishing it as a preferred choice for rapid and precise drug identification.
For employers in Alba, TX, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thus minimizing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety.
By implementing these tests, companies reinforce their commitment to safety and compliance, guaranteeing peace of mind for employers and employees alike.
