Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair can maintain a historical record of alcohol and substance use by fixing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When sampled close to the scalp, hair offers an approximate detection window of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg, which is an optimal quantity for screening and further testing. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis process for a drug test result entails four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not supplied through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for detecting drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug use from the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples with positive indications in Screening mandate further confirmation.
If the Screening stage yields a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests," the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Blanket, TX, the superiority of hair follicle testing over traditional urine tests is evident. Hair tests provide enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, capturing substance use history over a much broader timeline. While urine tests offer short-term insights, hair analysis offers a more extensive view, making it an ideal choice for thorough drug screening.
In Blanket, TX, hair follicle testing stands out due to its extended detection window, lasting up to 90 days. This prolonged period enables employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use history. Such insight is invaluable when assessing long-term substance use patterns.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant method of drug screening in Blanket, TX. This testing reduces the risk of sample adulteration significantly, ensuring that results are both reliable and unquestionable. Such a robust testing process provides peace of mind for those requiring accurate drug screenings.
With conveniently located testing centers nationwide, including Blanket, TX, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. This ease of access ensures that testing services are both straightforward and efficient, catering to diverse needs across the country.
In Blanket, TX, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. This straightforward procedure ensures ease of ordering, taking tests, and receiving results while maintaining privacy. Such simplicity addresses concerns regarding confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Affordability and fast turnaround are hallmarks of hair follicle testing in Blanket, TX. Competitive pricing structures provide excellent value for companies of all sizes, while rapid results deliver peace of mind, ensuring a cost-effective solution to drug screening needs.
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed in Blanket, TX. These tests are not only highly accurate in detecting substance use, but also provide results swiftly. This accuracy and reliability are crucial for making informed decisions, as they ensure that drug use is effectively monitored and evaluated.
Reliance on hair follicle testing in Blanket, TX, ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, offering compliance and peace of mind for employers. This method not only minimizes legal risks but also enhances safety in the workplace by deterring substance use.
