Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers within a hair strand capture biomarkers, thus offering a prolonged record of drug and alcohol use. When hair is sampled near the scalp, it can reveal a detection timeline of up to roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. This method is straightforward to perform, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis. For tests such as EtG, additional add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler's scale helps ensure precise measurement of the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process is comprised of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into the lab's tracking system. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) at random, and completes any absent data that the electronic chain of custody did not cover.
Screening is a preliminary assessment aimed at quickly identifying drugs of abuse. While it provides a cost-efficient method to potentially dismiss drug use in most samples, any positive findings must undergo further testing to be legally acceptable. Presumptive positive results from Screening necessitate a confirmation step.
For samples that yield a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further processing in Extraction. The extraction process retrieves drugs from hair at much lower rates compared to methods like urine or oral fluid analysis, marking hair drug screening as a particularly challenging area.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that initially test presumptive positive are cleansed prior to confirmation whenever necessary. The full sequence of laboratory operations from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually examines the strand of hair, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Alvord, TX
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Whereas urine tests may only detect recent drug use, hair tests provide a broader history. This makes hair follicle testing ideal for employers and authorities wanting a comprehensive assessment.
Extended Detection Window in Alvord, TX
Hair follicle testing excels with a detection window lasting up to 90 days. This extensive time frame offers employers in Alvord a full picture of a candidate's or employee's substance history, allowing for informed decisions based on long-term behavior, rather than short-term patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Alvord, TX
The robustness of hair follicle tests significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This testing method provides an essential layer of security, ensuring the results are both reliable and unquestionable. This integrity supports organizations in their efforts to maintain fair assessments.
Testing Locations Across the Nation and in Alvord, TX
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient access to testing with centers nationwide. This allows individuals and companies to easily locate and access our services, ensuring a quick, hassle-free testing process whether in Alvord or beyond.
Simple, Confidential Process in Alvord, TX
The process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is both simple and confidential. We prioritize user privacy, ensuring that personal information is protected while delivering seamless service experiences in Alvord, TX.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Alvord, TX
With competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times, our hair follicle tests offer excellent value. This efficiency provides companies with the peace of mind that comes from investing in high-quality, cost-effective drug testing solutions in Alvord.
Hair follicle drug testing in Alvord, TX provides fast and reliable results. The precision of this testing method ensures high accuracy in detecting various substances. Individuals and organizations benefit from the quick turnaround times and dependable outcomes. With its capability to reveal credible results swiftly, hair follicle testing stands out as an optimal choice for identifying substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Alvord, TX
Adopting hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Employers enjoy the reassurance that comes with maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, contributing to overall peace of mind.
