Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective means for assessing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in the strands' fibers, offering a prolonged history of usage. When cut near the scalp, hair can provide a detection period for alcohol and drugs of up to three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is easy.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unobtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be taken. Reference to head hair is specifically about scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory evaluation of a drug test comprises four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's initial entry into the lab's system. It includes verification of proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data input not covered by an electronic custody chain system.
Screening serves as an initial cursory assessment for drug presence. While screening offers a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in most samples, legally acceptable results require confirmation of any positive findings. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening are subject to additional confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than methods like urine or oral fluid testing, highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Positive screening outcomes undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these tests actually assess hair strands, not the follicles beneath the scalp.
In Batson, TX, the advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing are clear. With superior detection accuracy, hair tests deliver reliable results over an extended period. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests scrutinize a larger detection window, providing a comprehensive substance use history. Their advanced methodology diminishes errors, ensuring dependable outcomes every time.
Employers in Batson, TX, benefit from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window, which spans up to 90 days. This thorough insight into an individual’s substance use history aids in informed decision-making. Unlike other methods, hair tests allow employers to assess long-term substance habits, offering a clearer understanding of an applicant or employee’s behavior over time.
In Batson, TX, hair follicle testing stands out for its resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, providing reliable and trustworthy results. With a secured collection process, hair tests ensure authenticity, making them an ideal choice for businesses seeking foolproof drug testing solutions. The meticulous procedure strengthens confidence in the accuracy and dependability of results.
In Batson, TX, our nationwide testing centers offer unparalleled convenience by providing easy and accessible drug testing services. Whether local or elsewhere, businesses and individuals enjoy hassle-free access to our thorough testing processes. The widespread availability of centers ensures that clients can access testing services quickly and easily, minimizing delays and logistical concerns.
In Batson, TX, our hair follicle testing services prioritize simplicity and confidentiality. The process of ordering, taking the test, and receiving results is straightforward and secure, easing clients’ privacy concerns. Our commitment to confidentiality ensures that personal and sensitive information remains protected, providing clients with a seamless and user-friendly experience.
Batson, TX offers hair follicle testing with affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, appealing to businesses of all sizes. Our competitive pricing structures deliver exceptional value, making quality testing accessible without compromising financial resources. The efficiency of our testing process ensures timely results, empowering informed business decisions swiftly and economically.
In Batson, TX, hair follicle testing offers unparalleled precision and rapid results. The method’s high accuracy enables businesses and individuals to trust in its effectiveness. Compared to other methods, hair testing reliably indicates substance use, affirming its reputation for consistency and speed. Harnessing advanced technology, this testing method meets the demands of companies seeking rapid and precise outcomes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Batson, TX ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, providing employers with peace of mind. By reducing legal risks and enhancing workplace safety, this method preserves company reputation and integrity. Employers gain assurance that employee screening aligns with regulatory standards, fostering a secure and efficient working environment.
