Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers in the growing hair fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to about a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively challenging to alter, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair can't be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This comprises confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary swift assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-effective approach to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Big Spring, TX, hair follicle testing triumphs over urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy. Hair tests are known for their reliability, capturing drug use history over an extended period. This contrasts with urine tests, which are limited in detection time, often missing long-term drug patterns.
Moreover, hair tests are less invasive and eliminate the inconvenience of urine sample collection. Their precision in identifying drug use makes hair follicle tests a more favorable choice, providing clear evidence that supports drug-free workplaces.
At Big Spring, TX, one of the unparalleled advantages of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. Unlike other testing methods, it can reveal drug use over a period of up to 90 days, presenting a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's history.
This extended detection capability is particularly beneficial for employers, allowing them to see beyond recent usage and assess longer-term behavior. It provides a fuller picture, which is crucial for making informed employment decisions.
Hair follicle testing in Big Spring, TX presents a tamper-resistant approach that ensures the integrity of results. The process of obtaining hair samples significantly reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration, common with other testing methods.
This robust security against tampering means results can be trusted, offering reliable evidence of drug use. Employers can depend on these results to make fair employment decisions, free from concerns about altered or substituted samples.
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Big Spring, TX, ensures maximum convenience. With numerous local and nationwide locations, accessing reliable hair follicle testing is simple, fast, and hassle-free.
Clients benefit from this wide reach, guaranteeing they won't need to travel far for quality services. This accessibility is ideal for individuals and companies, facilitating easy and efficient testing services.
In Big Spring, TX, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease of use.
This straightforward approach addresses any concerns about confidentiality, ensuring a stress-free experience for all involved. By maintaining discretion throughout the process, clients receive reliable results without compromising their privacy.
Cost-effectiveness is a key advantage of hair follicle testing in Big Spring, TX. Our competitive pricing structures, combined with swift turnaround times, ensure that companies of all sizes receive excellent value and peace of mind.
Affordable testing without sacrificing quality or speed is vital for employers, enabling them to implement comprehensive substance abuse policies efficiently. Rapid test results empower companies to act promptly, supporting their operational needs.
With hair follicle testing in Big Spring, TX, you achieve precision and speed in detecting drug use. Hair tests deliver highly accurate assessments, ensuring that any substance use is detected reliably. Compared to other methods, they swiftly produce results, guaranteeing prompt and efficient screening.
The benefits of these tests include fast processing times, allowing employers to make informed decisions quickly. The reliability of hair testing in terms of accuracy is unparalleled, marking it as the go-to choice for those seeking dependable solutions for substance use detection.
For employers in Big Spring, TX, utilizing hair follicle testing means compliance and peace of mind. It aligns with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal risks and enhancing overall safety and productivity.
By choosing hair testing, companies can maintain high compliance standards, establishing a secure and responsible work environment. The peace of mind that accompanies reliable testing methods is invaluable, fostering trust and integrity.
