Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a lasting record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within their growing fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection range of up to 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels above ten, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the hair sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. When talking about head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair refers to other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process in a lab for determining drug test results is segmented into four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning deals with the primary registration of a sample into the lab’s framework. This step verifies if the sample was correctly sealed and delivered, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any absent data entry that isn't covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for potential drug abuse. This method is cost-effective to exclude drug use in most cases, but any positive finding here must undergo confirmation for legal acceptability. Any sample showing a presumptive positive during Screening must undergo secondary verification.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug analysis is considered the most intricate approach.
Confirmation for any positive screening findings occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed before confirmation, if necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted with oversight from the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation, as well as accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Alto Bonito, TX, triumphs over usual urine tests in several ways. One of the primary benefits is its extended detection window, offering a more reliable evaluation of long-term drug use compared to traditional urine testing methods.
Unlike urine tests that provide a short-term view, hair follicle testing gives a comprehensive analysis, identifying substance abuse over weeks or even months, ensuring outstanding reliability and detection accuracy.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Alto Bonito, TX is its extended detection period. This testing method can identify drug use over as much as 90 days, offering employers a detailed examination of an individual's substance history.
This prolonged detection capacity allows for a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's behavior, making hair follicle tests a vital tool for those ensuring a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the chances of tampering compared to other methods, providing Alto Bonito, TX, with a reliable testing option. Due to the nature of the test, it is extremely difficult to adulterate samples, ensuring entirely trustworthy results.
This tamper-proof advantage makes hair follicle tests an assured choice for reliable and consistent drug testing, giving peace of mind to employers and regulatory bodies alike.
The convenience of nationwide testing facilities, including those in Alto Bonito, TX, ensures that individuals have easy and direct access to testing services. This widespread availability makes the process seamless and hassle-free.
Quick access to testing centers means that customers can enjoy a streamlined process from booking their test to receiving results, further supporting a smooth experience.
In Alto Bonito, TX, our hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and confidential. This ensures that ordering, conducting, and receiving results is discreet and effective, addressing privacy concerns.
The simple process ensures that users can easily navigate their testing experience without confusion, providing a stress-free approach to essential drug testing needs.
Accredited Drug Testing in Alto Bonito, TX, offers competitive pricing structures for hair follicle testing, ensuring affordability and fast results for companies of any size. This provides great value while meeting high standards of accuracy and reliability.
Quick turnaround times further enhance the testing process's value, giving companies confidence in receiving timely and precise outcomes without unnecessary delays.
The speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug tests make them a superior choice for detecting substance use in Alto Bonito, TX. These tests are not only precise but also quick in delivering reliable results, ensuring an accurate reflection of an individual's drug usage.
Due to their advanced detection technology, hair tests are highly accurate, analyzing a wider timeframe of substance use. This makes them an ideal solution for employers seeking fast and dependable drug testing outcomes.
In Alto Bonito, TX, utilizing hair follicle tests aids employers in meeting compliance requirements with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety through accurate and reliable testing.
With the assurance of obtaining clear results, businesses can maintain their drug-free initiatives effectively, allowing for a more secure and professional work environment.
