Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When extracted near the scalp, hair offers roughly a three-month detection timeframe for substances, including alcohol. This method is straightforward in its collection, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
A sample comprising 1.5 inches and approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements, additional panels, or tests beyond ten panels, a specimen size of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be substituting. "Head hair" denotes scalp hair exclusively, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
In the lab, processing a drug test comprises four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, integrating a sample into a laboratory system. This step includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and dispatch, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drug presence. Though cost-effective, screening can exclude drug usage in most instances but requires confirmation for court acceptability. Any samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening await further confirmation.
In cases where Screening yields a presumptive positive, additional hair from the initial sample is collected for Extraction. Here, the concentration of extracted drugs from hair is significantly lower than other methods (like urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing prior to confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly misnamed "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Coupland, TX is clear when examining their benefits. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and are less prone to manipulation.
The ability to screen over an extended period makes hair tests advantageous, ensuring a reliable assessment of an individual’s drug use history.
Extended Detection Window in Coupland, TX is a significant advantage of hair follicle testing. It allows for drug use detection over a period of up to 90 days.
Employers gain a more comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance history, aiding in making informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method ensures integrity in Coupland, TX. Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of sample tampering and provide trustworthy results.
This method offers a reliable way to verify substance use, reducing concerns about adulterated samples.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Coupland, TX offer seamless access to services. Our centers are conveniently located for hassle-free testing experiences.
No matter where you are, our testing facilities ensure easy access to professional testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Coupland, TX ensures privacy and ease. From ordering to result retrieval, our process is designed to be user-friendly and secure.
Clients can trust in our private and straightforward approach to drug testing, maintaining discretion throughout the process.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Coupland, TX highlight our competitive edge. Our cost-effective solutions come with quick result times, providing excellent value.
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our pricing structures, ensuring quality service without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Coupland, TX are a key benefit of hair follicle testing. This method ensures high accuracy and efficiency in detecting substances, making it a preferred choice.
Employers in Coupland can trust in the precision of hair follicle testing to swiftly identify substance use, reducing uncertainty and improving workplace safety.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Coupland, TX is assured through hair follicle testing. This method helps maintain a drug-free workplace, minimizing legal liabilities.
By adhering to such reliable testing methods, businesses can enhance safety and foster a secure work environment.
