Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Recognized as a potent method, hair testing is utilized for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair encases a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within its growing fibers. If gathered near the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
An ideal sample for screening and confirmation involves a 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, weighing 100mg. For EtG extensions, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. We recommend measuring the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. When scalp hair is unavailable, a corresponding amount of body hair may be used. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation are the four primary stages involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially integrated into a laboratory’s system. This includes ensuring the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient strategy to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be acceptable in court. Any samples that are presumed positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand and not on the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing outshines urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy in Allison, TX. With a longer detection window, employers gain a more complete view compared to traditional urine tests.
The reliability of hair testing is unmatched due to its thorough analysis methods, offering precise results not easily achieved with urine samples.
Employers in Allison, TX benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection period. It captures drug usage for up to 90 days, offering insights into an individual's substance history.
This extended window is crucial for organizations eager to maintain their drug-free workplace policies. It ensures a comprehensive assessment of an applicant's history.
In Allison, TX, hair follicle tests are respected for minimizing sample tampering risks. This reliable approach yields unquestionable results.
The integrity of hair testing lies in its resistance to adulteration, setting it apart as a secure testing method in Allison.
Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience with nationwide centers, ensuring easy access to testing services in Allison, TX and beyond.
Local residents in Allison benefit from quick and stress-free access to drug testing, supported by our expansive network of centers.
Residents in Allison, TX experience a straightforward and private process for drug testing, from ordering to receiving results.
Our focus on confidentiality addresses privacy concerns, ensuring a seamless and protected experience for every customer.
In Allison, TX, competitive pricing and fast turnaround times are hallmarks of our service, assuring value and timely results for companies large and small.
Businesses save time and money by leveraging our affordable and efficient drug testing services.
In Allison, TX, hair follicle testing is renowned for delivering rapid, precise, and trustworthy results. This method stands out for its high accuracy in capturing substance use.
Clients appreciate the quick processing times that hair follicle tests offer. This swift and effective testing ensures reliable outcomes for both employers and individuals.
Hair follicle testing provides Allison, TX employers with peace of mind, ensuring they meet drug-free policy compliance. This strengthens workplace safety and minimizes legal risks.
By adopting hair testing, businesses demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a safe, compliant working environment.