Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has earned its reputation as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term information about alcohol and other drug usage by encapsulating biomarkers within the strands as they grow. Samples taken near the scalp can offer close to a 3-month window of detection for both alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, and the samples are relatively tamper-resistant and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment amounting to about 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is perfect for testing and verification. For EtG, additional testing, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferable. It's recommended to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Note that when we talk about head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types, like facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary steps in lab processing for a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample in a laboratory's infrastructure. This phase ensures the sample’s sealed transport, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system doesn’t cover.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid check for drug abuse indicators. While Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive outcome requires Confirmation to be legally valid. Samples that are provisionally positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation test.
When a sample is potentially positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction stage. Drugs are extracted from hair in much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS is used for Confirmation of any positive screening findings. All potentially positive samples undergo thorough washing before Confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle under the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Cherry Spring, TX, significant advantages emerge. Hair tests offer a broader detection window, better revealing past substance use. This aspect is crucial in environments requiring strict compliance with substance-free policies. Where urine tests might falter, hair testing stands out with its consistent and dependable results.
Hair follicle testing in Cherry Spring, TX, provides employers with an extensive detection period of up to 90 days. This feature offers an invaluable perspective into an individual’s substance use history, essential for making informed decisions. Instead of just current consumption, employers gain insights into patterns of use over time, presenting a more accurate portrait of an individual's behavior.
Cherry Spring, TX, employs hair follicle testing as a nearly tamper-proof method. The secure collection process significantly reduces tampering, ensuring reliable outcomes. Hair tests resist common adulteration tactics associated with other testing methods, offering trustworthy integrity crucial for accurate drug testing.
Accessibility is unmatched with our widespread network of testing centers in Cherry Spring, TX, ensuring swift and seamless testing experiences. Our facilities nationwide promise convenience, underscoring our commitment to population needs. Ensuring hassle-free access makes undergoing tests more manageable for all residents.
Residents of Cherry Spring, TX, enjoy a simple, private process when utilizing hair follicle testing services. From scheduling to result delivery, our procedure prioritizes ease and confidentiality. Concerned individuals find reassurance in our straightforward and discreet methodology, addressing all privacy and efficiency concerns effectively.
Cherry Spring, TX, boasts competitive hair follicle testing through affordable options and swift processing times. This service promises excellent value to organizations of varied scales, guaranteeing quality without exceeding budgets. Our efficient system provides rapid turnaround, offering companies peace of mind and assurance in their testing investments.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle testing in Cherry Spring, TX, are unparalleled. Employers prioritize these tests for their high accuracy in detecting drugs. Individuals appreciate this method for its reliable results, ensuring substance use is effectively identified. The rapid analysis process shortens waiting times, offering users fast conclusions without compromising accuracy.
For Cherry Spring, TX employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and tranquility. Adhering to drug-free workplace policies becomes seamless, minimizing legal risks while enhancing safety. Employers rest assured knowing their environment remains compliant and secure, enhancing overall workplace harmony and assurance.
