Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair. When gathered close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to a 90-day period of detection for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands of hair (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) proximate to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimum sample for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be sourced. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair denotes any other hair type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary procedure of a sample’s integration into the laboratory’s system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial cursory assessment for drugs of abuse. While this step is cost-effective for excluding drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be legally admissible. Any samples indicating a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in Extraction. Here, drugs are separated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests", these tests actually examine the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Benbrook, TX
Hair follicle tests in Benbrook, TX, boast a superior detection accuracy compared to traditional urine tests. The key benefits include the inability to tamper with the sample and a significantly extended detection period. These tests provide a reliable and consistent assessment of drug use history, confirming their advantage over urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Benbrook, TX
In Benbrook, Texas, hair follicle tests offer a lingering detection period for drug use, reflecting consumption over a 90-day span. Employers find this invaluable for gaining a detailed insight into an individual's long-term substance use, enhancing decision-making in employment contexts.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Benbrook, TX
The methodology of hair follicle testing in Benbrook, TX, inherently reduces the chance of sample tampering. By delivering unwavering and indisputable results, this testing method ensures integrity and confidence, greatly minimizing the risk of adulteration or manipulation in the sample.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Benbrook, TX
With numerous testing centers available nationwide, our services in Benbrook, TX, offer convenience and accessibility. This ensures effortless and quick access to testing services, catering to the requirements of local and national clients efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Benbrook, TX
The hair follicle testing process in Benbrook, Texas, is both easy and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is respected throughout, assuring those concerned about confidentiality that their information is handled with utmost discretion and ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Benbrook, TX
Offering competitive pricing together with swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Benbrook, TX, delivers excellent value. Ideal for companies of varied sizes, our pricing models and prompt service offer peace of mind and effective budget management.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Benbrook, TX
Hair follicle drug testing in Benbrook, Texas, offers unparalleled precision and speed. The method ensures high accuracy in identifying substance use. Compared to other types of testing, hair follicle tests provide prompt and dependable outcomes, making them a preferred choice for those seeking rapid and trustworthy results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Benbrook, TX
Hair follicle testing ensures that employers in Benbrook, TX, remain compliant with drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal exposure and promoting a secure work environment, these tests offer peace of mind and contribute to the overall safety of the workplace for employers and staff alike.
