Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month usage timeline for alcohol and drugs. Hair sampling is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil's diameter) close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, optimal for testing. For EtG, add-ons, or tests over 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This includes checking that the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While it is economical for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample appears positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further analysis. This phase extracts drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation when needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Andrews, TX, hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing in several aspects. Its enhanced detection accuracy and reliable outcomes make it an advantageous choice over traditional methods. Hair tests can reflect drug use spanning up to 90 days, giving them a clear edge over urine tests, which are limited to shorter detection periods.
Employers in Andrews, TX favor hair follicle testing for its extended detection capability, monitoring drug use over a 90-day period. This wide window offers a thorough insight into an individual’s substance usage pattern, assisting in informed decision-making.
In Andrews, TX, the integrity of hair follicle testing is unmatched. Its tamper-resistant nature significantly reduces the chance of sample adulteration, delivering results that are both reliable and difficult to dispute, making it a solid choice for drug testing.
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including those in Andrews, TX, offers unmatched convenience. Clients can access our testing services with ease, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience across all locations.
The drug testing process in Andrews, TX, is seamless and private. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving results from hair follicle tests are designed to be straightforward, addressing privacy concerns and ensuring ease of use for all individuals involved.
In Andrews, TX, our hair follicle testing services are competitively priced with fast turnaround times. This ensures excellent value for businesses of any size, providing effective and timely results without straining budgets.
In Andrews, TX, the quick and precise outcomes of hair follicle drug testing present unmatched reliability. These tests efficiently reveal substance use history with high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for swift and trustworthy results.
For employers in Andrews, TX, deploying hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal repercussions and fostering a safer work environment. This testing method provides peace of mind by upholding company standards effectively.
