Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers, hair offers an extended history of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can detect alcohol and drugs for nearly three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easily transported.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of around 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimum amount for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, add-ons, and/or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair is permissible. When we mention head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of drug test results in a laboratory entails four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. This process verifies that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen requires confirmation to hold up in a court of law. Any sample showing a presumptively positive result in Screening mandates further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positives during the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is used for Extraction. In this phase, drug extraction from hair is at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is notably challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, follows both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the actual analysis concerns the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine methods in Corsicana, TX, hair testing emerges as superior. Its accuracy and detection capabilities significantly outshine those of urine tests. Hair analysis identifies substance use over extended periods, whereas urine tests are limited to recent drug use, enhancing the reliability of hair testing for long-term evaluations.
Employers in Corsicana, TX benefit from hair follicle drug tests, which can uncover substance use over a longer duration—up to 90 days. This extended detection window provides a comprehensive view into an individual's history, assisting in making well-informed decisions about potential hires or current employees, ensuring a clear understanding of their substance use history.
Hair follicle tests conducted in Corsicana, TX offer a robust tamper-resistant testing method, minimizing the possibility of sample adulteration. This provides trustworthy results, as the integrity of hair samples is challenging to compromise, ensuring the test's reliability and credibility in legal and workplace settings.
In Corsicana, TX, accredited testing centers offer convenience and accessibility for nationwide hair testing services. Clients benefit from easy access to these centers, making the process quick and hassle-free, ensuring that testing needs are met efficiently and effectively across numerous locations.
In Corsicana, TX, the process of hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, each step is designed to maintain privacy and ease of use, addressing concerns about confidentiality while ensuring a seamless experience for all clients.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Corsicana, TX delivers significant value to businesses of all sizes. Competitive pricing structures combined with rapid results ensure excellent value and assurance for companies, helping them meet their substance testing needs cost-effectively.
In Corsicana, TX, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their accuracy and speed. The testing method ensures precise detection of substances, offering reliable results promptly. With rigorous testing protocols, the likelihood of false negatives or positives is substantially reduced, providing reliable insights for employers and individuals requiring accurate and swift data.
Employers in Corsicana, TX achieve peace of mind and compliance with drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. It reduces legal risks and promotes a safer work environment. By adhering to drug policies, employers safeguard their organization and create a safe and compliant working atmosphere.
