Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is acknowledged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, encompassing approximately 200 hair strands (resembling the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is considered the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, expansions, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be sourced. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The procedure for laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This involves confirming that the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug usage on the majority of samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation to be acceptable in court. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
In instances where a sample exhibits presumptive positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is withdrawn from the initial specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which establishes hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Brad, TX
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests in several aspects. The prolonged detection period and reliability make it a superior choice.
Extended Detection Window in Brad, TX
Unlike traditional tests, hair follicle testing can trace drug use back up to 90 days. This extended window offers a thorough insight into an individual's substance history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Brad, TX
Hair follicle tests offer a more secure and tamper-resistant option. This method ensures the integrity and validity of the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Brad, TX
Access to testing centers has never been easier, thanks to Accredited Drug Testing's vast network. Enjoy hassle-free service anywhere you need.
Simple, Confidential Process in Brad, TX
Ordering and undergoing tests with us ensures both simplicity and privacy. We prioritize your confidentiality from test order to result delivery.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Brad, TX
Our competitive pricing and quick result times provide excellent value for businesses of any size, delivering cost-effective solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Brad, TX
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests is unparalleled, providing quick and precise results. These tests are increasingly favored in Brad, TX due to their high accuracy in identifying substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Brad, TX
Implementing hair follicle testing supports adherence to drug-free policies. This decision mitigates legal risks and enhances workplace safety.
