Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal drug use for up to three months. Collection is straightforward, contamination is not easy, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. It is suggested to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, the equivalent amount of body hair may be used. The term head hair refers solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four primary phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the stage of integrating the sample into a lab's system. This process involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary swift check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to indicate drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated for court use. Any samples presumed positive in Screening need an additional confirmation.
Upon a positive Screen, more hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most intricate methodology.
Confirmation of a positive screen is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing if necessitated prior to confirmation. The full laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Known as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Dalworthington Gardens, TX
Hair testing surpasses urine testing in terms of accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice in many contexts. The extended detection window of hair tests beats the short-term focus of urine tests. Additionally, hair tests offer a more tamper-resistant method, ensuring that the results reflect true substance use history without interference.
Extended Detection Window in Dalworthington Gardens, TX
Hair follicle testing covers a significant detection window, up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive substance history. This feature gives employers a detailed timeline of an individual's substance use, unlike the limited short-term view provided by urine tests. The extended period sensitivity ensures transparency and thoroughness in evaluating substance habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Dalworthington Gardens, TX
Hair follicle tests offer a robust guard against sample tampering, making them a trusted method for reliable results. The external collection nature inhibits alterations common with urine samples. As such, the risk of adulterated results is minimized, providing stakeholders with confidence in the authenticity of the findings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Dalworthington Gardens, TX
With testing centers spread nationwide and available locally in Dalworthington Gardens, accessing hair follicle drug testing has never been more straightforward. This network ensures quick, straightforward access to drug testing services, removing the hassle and making it convenient for all parties involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Dalworthington Gardens, TX
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be both straightforward and private. From scheduling to results delivery, each step maintains confidentiality, ensuring participant privacy is respected. The ease of this streamlined process ensures a stress-free experience without compromising data security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Dalworthington Gardens, TX
Offering competitive pricing alongside quick result times, hair follicle testing provides excellent value for companies of any size. This cost-effective approach ensures affordability without sacrificing quality, delivering prompt and precise answers to empower informed decisions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Dalworthington Gardens, TX
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their speed and precision. They offer excellent accuracy in identifying substance use. As opposed to slower traditional methods, hair testing provides swift results. The consistency and reliability of these tests ensure that results are trustworthy, empowering individuals and organizations with precise information.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Dalworthington Gardens, TX
Using hair follicle testing assures employers of adherence to drug-free workplace policies, simultaneously minimizing legal exposures and advancing safety. This method reinforces compliance, offering peace of mind knowing that drug use evaluations are thorough and uphold industry standards.
