Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains extended records of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 90-day timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, additions, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Synopsis
The key phases in processing a drug test in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory’s system, ensuring the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data input not available with an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial brief assessment for drugs of concern. Even though Screening is an economical way to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result on the screen requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples indicating presumptive positives in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample register presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is withdrawn from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at concentrations far lower than those in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug testing the toughest methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although colloquially known as "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Clear Lake City, TX, lies in its superior detection capabilities and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can identify substance use over a more extended period. This method ensures higher accuracy, reducing false negatives and ensuring reliable drug use detection. Hair tests cannot be easily manipulated, providing trustworthy information for employers.
One of the standout features of Extended Detection Window in Clear Lake City, TX, is hair follicle testing's ability to identify substance use for up to 90 days. This approach offers a comprehensive insight into a person's drug use history, valuable for employers looking to maintain a drug-free work environment. Unlike shorter-term tests, hair assessments provide a more detailed account of an individual’s substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is crucial in ensuring reliable drug testing in Clear Lake City, TX. Hair follicle tests offer a unique advantage by significantly reducing the potential for sample tampering. The method used makes it difficult, if not impossible, for individuals to alter or fake results, providing peace of mind to employers and authorities who depend on the accuracy of the outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Clear Lake City, TX, make drug testing hassle-free. Our widespread network of facilities ensures you can easily access testing services, whether locally or throughout the country. This convenience means quicker testing processes, reliable results, and enhanced access to top-quality testing services, maintaining workplace safety effortlessly.
Simple, Confidential Process in Clear Lake City, TX, defines our testing services. The procedure, from ordering to receiving results, is made straightforward to prioritize your privacy and convenience. Understanding concerns about confidentiality, we ensure that the testing experience is stress-free while maintaining the highest standards of service and discretion expected by clients.
Our commitment to Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Clear Lake City, TX, delivers exceptional value for businesses of all sizes. With competitive pricing and swift result delivery, our testing service provides budget-friendly options without compromising on quality. Businesses can feel secure, knowing they receive reliable testing at a price that fits their financial plans.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Testing in Clear Lake City, TX, offers hair follicle drug tests known for their precision and rapid results. These tests are highly accurate in detecting substance use, ensuring employers and other stakeholders can trust the results they receive. When only the best in testing will do, you can rely on our facility to provide results quickly and efficiently, meeting high standards.
With Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Clear Lake City, TX, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal liabilities and promoting a safer work environment. By adopting this testing method, employers not only follow regulatory guidelines but also reinforce a culture of safety and accountability, benefiting both employees and organizations.
