Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are increasingly recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strand captures biomarkers in its fibers, offering a prolonged history of substance use. When hair samples are gathered near the scalp, they can reveal up to nearly a three-month detection span for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximating the size of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, or those surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen is advised. Should scalp hair not be available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be utilized. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the laboratory assessment of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves incorporating a sample into the lab’s system initially. This encompasses checking the sample was sealed and sent correctly, attributing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary swift examination for substance abuse. Though Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
Upon a presumptive positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than with other methods (like urine or oral fluid), presenting hair drug screening as the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo cleansing before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes a review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", this procedure evaluates the hair strand rather than the scalp’s hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing: For Cross Roads, TX, hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy. With a longer detection period than traditional urine tests, they provide reliable results that cover a broader window of substance use, unable to be easily tampered with or evaded. Employers seeking comprehensive testing solutions recognize the enhanced accuracy and reliability of hair over urine testing.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle testing in Cross Roads, TX, extends on the promise of detecting drug use over an extended timeframe, reaching up to 90 days. This broad window allows employers a detailed insight into an individual's substance history, offering not just a snapshot but a full picture of behavior over nearly three months, crucial for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Cross Roads, TX, hair follicle testing sharply reduces the potential for sample adulteration. Unlike other methods, hair tests are collected and processed under stringent conditions that ensure authenticity and reliability. This secure process shields against false results, promoting trust and transparency in drug testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Accredited Drug Testing provides remarkably convenient access with testing centers spread across the nation, including locations right in Cross Roads, TX. This expansive network ensures that testing services are within reach, making the process seamless and accessible for everyone involved, eliminating unnecessary hassles.
Simple, Confidential Process: With Accredited Drug Testing in Cross Roads, TX, experience a straightforward and private approach to drug testing. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to be uncomplicated and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while maintaining ease of access and understanding for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: In Cross Roads, TX, our competitive pricing models combined with rapid result delivery provide remarkable value. Accredited Drug Testing ensures that companies of all sizes can benefit from fast, reliable testing without compromising on budget, offering peace of mind through both affordability and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results: In Cross Roads, TX, the speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests set them apart. These tests are highly accurate, offering clear insights into substance use with rapid turnaround times. Employers can trust in the reliable detection capabilities that hair testing provides, ensuring timely and effective decision-making in maintaining workplace safety.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Cross Roads, TX, assures adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By implementing this testing method, employers can lessen legal risks and bolster workplace safety. The reliable results provide peace of mind by aligning with stringent compliance standards, fostering a secure work environment.
