Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term account of alcohol and drug use by ensnaring biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal alcohol and drug history for up to roughly three months. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprised of about 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp region will yield 100mg of hair, making it an optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. The specimen should be weighed using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, it pertains specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage of processing a sample within a lab's system. This phase involves ensuring the sample's seal and proper shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for the presence of drugs. Although Screening serves as a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive screening must be confirmed to hold up in legal contexts. Any samples that yield a positive indication in Screening require further confirmation.
Should a sample indicate positivity during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are leached from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), which makes hair drug testing a more intricate procedure.
All positive findings from the screening are confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to the confirmation process if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated in compliance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cost, TX
When considering drug testing options, hair follicle tests offer distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. The meticulous detection accuracy and reliability of hair tests outshine their urine counterparts. Detection capability extends far beyond conventional methods, ensuring a comprehensive look into past substance use, making them the superior choice for employers in maintaining drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Cost, TX
Hair follicle testing excels with its capacity to detect drug use over an extensive period, stretching up to 90 days. This extensive detection window offers employers a thorough overview of an individual's drug history, facilitating informed decision-making processes. The ability to reveal long-term substance use patterns enhances workplace safety and integrity by preventing potential substance-related risks.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cost, TX
The robustness of hair follicle testing lies in its resistance to tampering. The method's inherent design minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, delivering results that are both credible and reliable. By significantly reducing the potential for manipulation, hair follicle tests provide an unquestionable basis for assessing substance use, fostering trust and accuracy in test outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Cost, TX
The accessibility of hair follicle testing is greatly enhanced by our comprehensive network of testing centers nationwide and locally in Cost, TX. This widespread availability ensures that individuals and businesses can easily access testing services without the hassle, helping to streamline the testing process across varied geographical locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cost, TX
The process for conducting hair follicle testing is straightforward and maintains strict confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns effectively. From ordering the test to receiving the results, clients can expect a seamless experience that integrates ease of use with safeguarding personal information, thus ensuring a worry-free process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cost, TX
Our competitive pricing and swift processing times provide exceptional value to companies of all scales in Cost, TX. With fast turnaround, employers can efficiently manage testing without incurring exorbitant costs. The balance of affordability and efficiency establishes a reliable resource for maintaining workplace health and safety.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cost, TX
In the realm of substance detection, the speed and precision of hair follicle testing stand unmatched. This method's rapid turnaround time paired with its robust accuracy when it comes to substance detection redefines testing standards. Hair follicle testing not only ensures swift results but also delivers highly reliable insights into drug use behavior, offering peace of mind to both employers and individuals alike.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cost, TX
Hair follicle testing is integral to ensuring compliance with stringent workplace drug-free policies. By significantly mitigating legal risks and bolstering workplace safety, this testing method brings unparalleled peace of mind to employers. Knowing that testing is both thorough and compliant makes it a cornerstone approach in upholding a secure work environment.
