Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has gained recognition as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by retaining biomarkers within the fibers of its growth. Collection of hair from near the scalp can provide a detection window of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and convenient to ship.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 hairs (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield approximately 100mg of hair, an ideal amount for precise screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for accurate specimen weight. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we strictly mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other hair kinds (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The crucial stages in a laboratory drug test process comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary sample processing into a lab's system. This step includes verifying the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry that is not sourced from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial assessment for possible drug presence. Although cost-efficient for eliminating drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be court-admissible. All samples presumed positive during Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be deemed possibly positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase. During this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a challenging methodology to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumed positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Canyon, TX
Hair testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine methods. Not only is its detection accuracy superior, particularly in identifying long-term substance use, but it also provides more reliable outcomes.
While urine tests suit short-term detection, hair tests dominate by delivering extended timelines of drug history, proving invaluable for employers and courts alike.
Extended Detection Window in Canyon, TX
Hair follicle testing stands out with its ability to detect drug use for as long as 90 days, offering a profound insight into an individual's substance history.
This extended window allows employers in Canyon, TX, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of an applicant or employee's drug use patterns, crucial for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Canyon, TX
Hair follicle tests present a substantial defense against sample adulteration, ensuring integrity and authenticity of results.
In Canyon, TX, this method guards against manipulation, providing organizations with reliable, unquestionable outcomes, crucial for enforcing strict drug policies.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Canyon, TX
With extensive testing centers nationwide, accessibility to hair follicle tests is seamless.
In Canyon, TX, our network ensures quick, hassle-free, and localized service, making the process straightforward and efficient for all stakeholders.
Simple, Confidential Process in Canyon, TX
We prioritize a straightforward and confidential approach, ensuring privacy and ease at every step. From ordering to receiving results, our process is designed with user-friendly simplicity.
In Canyon, TX, individuals and organizations can trust that their data is handled discretely, alleviating privacy concerns.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Canyon, TX
Our competitive pricing model and rapid result delivery provide exceptional value for organizations of all sizes.
In Canyon, TX, businesses benefit from affordable, fast services, receiving timely data crucial for maintaining operational integrity and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Canyon, TX
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their exceptional speed and precision in identifying substance use. Offering high accuracy rates, they provide prompt and reliable results, crucial for informed decision-making.
In Canyon, TX, these tests ensure that employers receive timely and dependable insights into potential substance use, bolstering confidence in hiring and other critical processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Canyon, TX
Hair follicle testing aligns with drug-free workplace policies, offering employers in Canyon, TX, assurance and reduced legal exposure.
By choosing this method, companies bolster workplace safety and compliance, effectively reducing risks while fostering a clean and professional environment.