Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a chronological record of substance use by holding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. By collecting hair near the scalp, it offers an approximate detection period of three months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A section of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness), and closest to the scalp, yields 100mg—this is optimal for both screening and confirmatory purposes. For testing involving EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested to weigh the specimen accurately. Should scalp hair be unavailable, equivalent body hair may be sampled instead. "Head hair" specifically denotes hair from the scalp, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
There are four key phases in laboratory analysis of a drug test: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the entry of a sample into the laboratory's system. It ensures correct sample sealing and shipping, assigns a unique Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and includes any additional data input needed beyond what is provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for illicit substances. While it cost-effectively eliminates non-positive samples, positive findings must be confirmed to hold up in legal settings. Any samples presumptively positive during Screening are subjected to further confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair, a process carried out at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed where necessary before confirmation. Throughout the process from Accessioning to Confirmation, procedures are reviewed following the standards set by the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests," these analyses actually examine the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in Concepcion, TX due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can spot drug use over an extended period, offering a more reliable picture of an individual's substance use history.
The reliability of hair testing is evident in its ability to provide accurate detections, reducing the risk of false negatives or positives that may occur with urine tests. Employers and professionals trust hair testing for its unmatched dependability.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Concepcion, TX is its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows for a comprehensive view of an individual's substance history, surpassing the limited detection period of urine tests.
Employers benefit from the broader insights hair follicle tests provide, ensuring a complete understanding of an employee's or applicant's past substance use. This long-term visibility plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and drug-free work environment.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is a major advantage in Concepcion, TX. This testing method significantly reduces the chances of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable results that can't be easily manipulated.
Hair follicle tests provide conclusive outcomes due to their resistance to tampering, making them the preferred choice for organizations that prioritize integrity and evidence-based decisions in drug testing.
In Concepcion, TX, we boast convenient nationwide testing locations that ensure accessible drug testing services. With multiple centers available, scheduling a test becomes a quick and seamless process.
Our strategically placed testing locations guarantee that anyone, whether local or not, can effortlessly access the necessary testing services, making the procedure hassle-free and efficient for all clients.
Our hair follicle testing process in Concepcion, TX is designed to be simple and confidential. We focus on ensuring that the process of ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and privacy-protected.
Clients can count on us for a discreet and efficient testing experience. Our procedures are tailored to uphold confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns with professionalism and care.
We pride ourselves on offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times in Concepcion, TX. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that companies of all sizes receive excellent value without compromising on quality.
Our efficient processes guarantee quick result delivery, providing companies with peace of mind and enabling swift decision-making. This combination of affordability and speed makes our services appealing to a wide range of businesses.
In Concepcion, TX, hair follicle drug tests are fast, accurate, and reliable. The method accurately identifies substance use, providing reassurance and clarity in results. It stands out due to its high accuracy level in detecting a wide range of substances, eliminating doubts and delivering clear insights.
The proficiency of hair follicle testing lies in its precision and rapid result delivery. This method employs advanced technology to ensure quick and dependable results, thus meeting the urgent demands of employers seeking immediate compliance verification.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Concepcion, TX ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers. This method supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing the risk of legal repercussions and enhancing overall workplace safety.
Employers derive confidence from using hair testing as part of their drug policy enforcement. It not only meets compliance requirements but also fosters a safer and more productive work atmosphere.
