Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a prolonged history by embedding biomarkers within the growing fibers. When strands are gathered near the scalp, they can provide a drug and alcohol detection range of around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, tricky to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A segment of hair measuring 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 strands, nearest the scalp yields 100mg, considered the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, a 150mg sample is preferred. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. By head hair, we mean only the scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves entering a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes checking the sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and updating any missing data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid drug abuse check. Though Screening is cost-effective to exclude the majority of drug use cases, a positive result requires confirmation for court validation. Samples preliminarily positive during Screening need additional confirmation.
For samples presumptively positive in Screening, further hair is isolated from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at a much lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair screening the most challenging methodology.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS confirm any positive screening results. Necessary washing of presumptive positive samples occurs before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab process adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Devine, TX: Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. They offer a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history, consistently outperforming urine tests in identifying drug use over extended periods.
Extended Detection Window in Devine, TX: Hair follicle testing is effective in detecting drug use for up to 90 days, providing employers with an extensive overview of a candidate or employee's substance history. This long detection window helps in making informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Devine, TX: Hair follicle tests minimize the risk of tampering, ensuring the results are reliable and unquestionable. This integrity is vital, especially where accuracy in drug testing is non-negotiable.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Devine, TX: With an extensive network of testing centers nationwide, accessing drug testing services becomes quick and effortless. This vast reach underscores the convenience available to clients nationwide and locally.
Simple, Confidential Process in Devine, TX: Our drug testing process is straightforward and private. From ordering to taking the test and receiving the results, every step safeguards privacy, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Devine, TX: With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, our hair testing services promise excellent value. Businesses of all sizes benefit from our cost-effective solutions and prompt result delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Devine, TX highlight the efficiency of hair follicle drug tests. The precision with which these tests detect substance use ensures high accuracy, offering quick results that employers and individuals can rely on confidently. This testing method stands out for its speed and dependability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Devine, TX: Hair follicle testing supports adherence to workplace drug-free policies, reducing potential legal risks and enhancing workplace safety. Employers can maintain assurance knowing they are in compliance.
