Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The adoption of hair testing has increased due to its effectiveness in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a persistent log of alcohol and other substances by encasing biomarkers within the fibers as the hair grows. By obtaining samples near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drug use. This method of collection is straightforward, not easily tampered with, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch lock of around 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both initial testing and confirmation. When ordering EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a total of 150mg of the sample is suggested. We propose measuring the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When referring to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four pivotal stages in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab’s system. It involves confirming the sample’s seal and shipping integrity, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial assessment to identify drugs of abuse. Screening efficiently eliminates drug use for most samples; nevertheless, confirmed positive results are needed for court. Samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
For samples suspected as positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original batch and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at much lower levels than other methods (like urine or oral fluids), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Ensuring any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. Each lab process step from Accessioning to Confirmation is vetted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure assesses the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Superior Detection with Hair Testing
Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Choate, TX, offers a sophisticated advantage in identifying drug use. The prolonged detection period and resilient samples make it a preferred choice for organizations striving for reliable and precise drug testing outcomes.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Choate, TX, spans the ability to perceive drug use up to 90 days, providing employers with a holistic understanding of an individual's substance habits over a three-month timeline. This extensive window is a pivotal asset for comprehensive background analysis.
Secure Testing Methods
Hair follicle tests conducted at Choate, TX, markedly minimize the potential for sample adulteration, ensuring results that are both trustworthy and definitive. This resilience in maintaining sample integrity has elevated the status of hair testing as a secure choice in drug testing.
Accessible Testing Locations
Our network of nationwide and local sites in Choate, TX, offers straightforward access to drug testing services, emphasizing convenience and ease of access, ensuring that obtaining a test is both a quick and straightforward process.
Confidential Testing Process
The drug testing procedure in Choate, TX is characterized by its simplicity and privacy. These features ensure that ordering tests, undergoing the sample collection, and receiving results maintain a focus on confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Competitive Pricing and Swift Turnaround
In Choate, TX, our pricing strategy ensures affordability coupled with a fast and efficient laboratory process. Employers of various sizes are assured of both value and timeliness with our drug testing services.
Fast and Accurate Results
In Choate, TX, hair follicle drug tests deliver remarkably precise outcomes with speed, efficiently detecting substance use. The advanced methodology ensures reliability, offering employers a dependable means of assessing substance history with impressive accuracy.
Employer Compliance and Assurance
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Choate, TX, ensures adherence to workplace drug-free mandates, substantially mitigating legal risks and fostering a stronger culture of workplace safety. Employers gain assurance from the reliability of hair analysis.
