Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Due to its ability to encapsulate biomarkers within the strands, hair offers a comprehensive record of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, it can reveal drug and alcohol usage up to roughly a 3-month timeframe. The collection process is uncomplicated, and it is challenging to tamper with and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (approximating the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for conducting both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It is best to use a jeweler's scale for precise specimen measurement. In instances where scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be obtained. Here, head hair denotes scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test processing in the laboratory is divided into four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary integration of a sample into the lab’s workflow. This phase involves ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, designating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody platform.
Screening pertains to an expedited assessment for potential drug usage. Although cost-efficient for ruling out substance use in most samples, any positive screen must be validated for forensic acceptability. Samples with a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate further confirmatory analysis.
Should testing reveal a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair from the original sample is utilized for Extraction. This phase involves removing drugs from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than seen with alternatives (i.e., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screenings.
Verification of any positive screening outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples showing presumptive positivity undergo washing prior to detailed confirmation. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specifications and the standards set by ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation actually examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to the traditional urine tests in Branton, TX, the former clearly surpasses in superiority. Hair testing not only offers greater detection accuracy but also reliability. While urine tests are common, the comprehensive and long-term detection capabilities of hair tests place them at an unparalleled advantage, making them the preferred choice for many organizations.
Hair follicle testing in Branton, TX offers an extensive detection window for drug use, stretching up to 90 days. This long-term insight provides employers with a thorough overview of an individual's substance history, significantly more than what conventional testing methods offer. Such a wide window is crucial for making informed employment decisions.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Branton, TX is its tamper-resistant nature. This method greatly diminishes the possibility of sample manipulation, ensuring that the results are steadfast and beyond doubt. Employers and institutions can trust the integrity of the outcomes due to the secure collection and testing processes in place.
Accredited Drug Testing boasts convenient locations throughout Branton, TX and nationwide. Our extensive network ensures swift and hassle-free access to testing services for individuals and businesses alike. This accessibility guarantees that clients receive the necessary services without delays or complications.
In Branton, TX, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains complete confidentiality. Ordering, undergoing, and receiving test results is seamless and designed to prioritize privacy. The simplicity of this process alleviates concerns about privacy breaches, making it as user-friendly as possible.
Our pricing structure for hair follicle testing in Branton, TX is competitive, offering excellent value. Coupled with rapid turnaround times, businesses of all sizes benefit from efficient and budget-conscious services. This combination ensures that companies receive the best balance of cost and efficiency, enhancing peace of mind when managing testing processes.
In Branton, TX, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its remarkable precision and speed in delivering results. Compared to other methods, it offers a higher accuracy rate in identifying substance use. Not only does it provide fast outcomes, but it also ensures reliability, giving both employers and individuals confidence in the testing process and results.
For employers in Branton, TX, implementing hair follicle testing boosts compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Not only does it reduce legal risks, but it also enhances overall workplace safety. This reliable testing method provides peace of mind, ensuring that all procedures are thoroughly covered and employees are within compliance.
