Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has increasingly become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. This is due to hair's ability to encapsulate biomarkers related to alcohol and drugs within the strands as they grow. A sample taken near the scalp can disclose up to a three-month history of alcohol and drug usage. It’s straightforward to procure, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches in length and comprising approximately 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) near the scalp equates to around 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and validation. For EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10 drugs, 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. When scalp hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. Note that 'head hair' refers specifically to scalp hair, whereas 'body hair' encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test outcome in a laboratory involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the primary processing of a sample into a laboratory's infrastructure. This incorporates checking the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means of dismissing drug usage for most samples, a positive screening necessitates confirmation to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples testing presumptively positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other approaches (like urine or oral fluid), which contributes to hair drug testing being the most challenging approach to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the strand of hair, not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in China, TX
When comparing detection methods, hair testing surpasses urine tests in accuracy. It offers a broader discovery window and greater reliability, reducing false negatives and positives. This method provides an all-encompassing view of substance use, indispensable for those upholding rigorous standards.
Extended Detection Window in China, TX
Hair follicle testing boasts up to 90 days of detectable substance use, offering a detailed history that other methods lack. This extended period affords a complete insight into behavior patterns, critical for maintaining a drug-free environment and making informed employment decisions.
Secure Testing Method in China, TX
Hair follicle tests significantly lower the risk of sample tampering, enhancing trust in the results obtained. The robust collection protocols assure employers of the authenticity of each test, eradicating doubts and ensuring peace of mind through assured accuracy.
Convenient Testing Locations in China, TX
Our network of testing centers across the nation provides ease and accessibility for drug testing needs. With facilities in local vicinities, it's simpler than ever to secure such services without hassle, ensuring a smooth testing process for all parties involved.
Streamlined, Discreet Process in China, TX
Our straightforward and confidential approach to testing alleviates concerns about privacy. The process, from ordering to result reception, is transparent and easy to navigate, designed to maintain confidentiality and user-friendliness throughout each stage.
Competitive Pricing and Rapid Turnaround in China, TX
Our budget-friendly pricing aligns with fast turnaround times, offering unmatched value. This combination caters to organizations of all sizes, providing financial ease and efficient service, allowing companies to manage resources wisely.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Outcomes in China, TX
Hair follicle drug testing excels in speed and precision, crucial for timely decisions. The efficiency in processing these tests ensures quick turnarounds, enabling employers to promptly act on results. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, hair testing detects even trace amounts of substances, proving its effectiveness over traditional alternatives.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in China, TX
Utilizing hair follicle tests fortifies workplace compliance with drug-free policies. It minimizes legal exposure and fosters a safer working environment, integral to regulatory adherence and protective measures, granting employers reassurance and operational continuity.
