Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair records long-term evidence of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When harvested near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch hair sample of roughly 200 strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional add-ons, or panels above 10, 150mg of the specimen is preferable. Using a jeweler’s scale is suggested for accurate weighing of the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent volume of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal phases in processing a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a specimen into the lab system. This covers verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing data that isn't captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial check for illicit substances. While it is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to stand as valid evidence in legal contexts. Presumptive positives in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a presumptive positive arises during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most demanding method to perform.
Confirmation for any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Beforehand, any presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair regulations and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the testing actually examines the strand of hair, not the follicle situated under the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing with traditional urine tests in Daingerfield, TX, the advantages are clear. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window, making it a more effective method for employers and legal entities seeking comprehensive substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Daingerfield, TX, offers a significant advantage with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, facilitating better employment decisions. Hair tests are thus an invaluable tool for assessing long-term substance use.
One of the key benefits of hair follicle testing in Daingerfield, TX, is its tamper-resistant nature. The test significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable and trustworthy results. This ensures that the integrity of the testing process is maintained, providing accurate assessments that cannot be easily compromised.
The convenience of nationwide testing locations, including those accessible in Daingerfield, TX, makes hair follicle testing a hassle-free experience. With a comprehensive network of testing centers, individuals and employers can quickly and easily access testing services when needed, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
In Daingerfield, TX, hair follicle drug testing offers a simple and confidential process. The ease of ordering, taking the test, and receiving results addresses privacy concerns effectively. This ensures that both employers and individuals can engage in the testing process with confidence and discretion.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Daingerfield, TX, provides excellent value for companies of all sizes. This affordable option ensures that employers can make prudent financial decisions while benefiting from a reliable and efficient testing service that delivers prompt results.
In Daingerfield, TX, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed. This testing method is highly accurate in detecting substance use, providing fast and reliable results that are essential for making informed decisions. The streamlined process ensures that results are available promptly, facilitating swift action when necessary.
Employers in Daingerfield, TX, can achieve peace of mind through hair follicle testing by ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. It is a dependable approach that supports employers in maintaining a secure and compliant work environment.
