Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an influential method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair serves as a long-term indicator by incorporating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reflect drug and alcohol use over a period of up to around three months. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for initial testing and confirmation. For EtG assessments, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When referring to head hair, it specifically means scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other types like facial, axillary, etc.
Process Overview
The laboratory assessment of a drug test result involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system, verifying proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug usage for most samples, yet a positive finding requires confirmation to be legally valid. Samples testing presumptively positive during Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug testing is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples initially testing positive are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the guidelines of both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," these tests actually analyze the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outshines Urine Testing in Armstrong, TX
The benefits of hair testing surpass traditional urine tests. Offering longer detection periods and higher accuracy, hair follicle testing provides a more reliable snapshot of an individual's substance use history. In Armstrong, TX, this makes hair testing the preferred method due to its superior detection accuracy.
Prolonged Detection Period for Drug Use in Armstrong, TX
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability provides a comprehensive overview of an employee's or applicant's substance use history, giving employers in Armstrong, TX, valuable insights into their team members' past habits.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Armstrong, TX
Hair follicle tests, renowned for reducing the risk of sample tampering, ensure reliable outcomes. Their resilient nature makes them difficult to adulterate, guaranteeing trustworthy results in Armstrong, TX. When accuracy and integrity are necessary, these tests stand unrivaled.
Accessible Testing Centers Nationwide and Locally in Armstrong, TX
With Accredited Drug Testing's vast network, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward. Our testing sites, including ones in Armstrong, TX, offer a seamless experience, ensuring convenience and minimizing delays for individuals and businesses.
A Streamlined and Confidential Testing Process in Armstrong, TX
The process for hair follicle testing is designed with simplicity and privacy in mind. From order to results, it ensures confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns comprehensively in Armstrong, TX, while maintaining ease of use at every step.
Competitive Pricing and Quick Service in Armstrong, TX
Accredited Drug Testing delivers value with its competitive pricing structures and swift turnaround times. In Armstrong, TX, businesses of all sizes find our services to be economically viable and efficient, providing peace of mind.
Efficient and Accurate Results in Armstrong, TX
Hair follicle testing stands out for its precision. With rapid and highly accurate detection capabilities, this method ensures reliable identification of substance usage. Trusted in Armstrong, TX, these tests swiftly deliver dependable results, reassuring all parties involved of their efficacy.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety in Armstrong, TX
For organizations prioritizing drug-free policies, hair follicle testing offers peace of mind. Compliance with legal standards enhances workplace safety, mitigating risks for employers in Armstrong, TX. Implementing this method fosters a safer and more secure working environment.
