Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting alcohol and drug consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair. When hair is taken from near the scalp, it can detect alcohol and drugs for a period of up to three months. The simplicity of hair collection, the challenge of adulteration, and the ease of transport add to its effectiveness.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (approximately the dimension of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, deemed optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Verification of the specimen's weight on a jeweler’s scale is advisable. Should head hair be unavailable, a comparable volume of body hair can be utilized. The term head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. In contrast, body hair covers all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test encompasses four pivotal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the foundational integration of a sample into a lab’s workflow, confirming that the sample has been adequately sealed and transported, assigning a distinctive LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data input absent from an electronic custody tracking system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug presence in most samples, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal proceedings. Samples showing a presumptive positive outcome in Screening require a further confirmatory step.
In instances of a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the primary sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing particularly challenging.
Confirmation for any positive screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the testing process analyzes the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in East Grayson, TX
Hair follicle tests provide a more thorough approach compared to traditional urine tests. Not only do they detect a wider range of substances, but they also offer a more extended detection window, allowing for a better assessment of long-term substance use. This makes hair testing a superior choice for those seeking accurate results in East Grayson.
Extended Detection Window in East Grayson, TX
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to uncover drug use over a prolonged period of up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers employers a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance history, making it invaluable for thorough screening in East Grayson.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in East Grayson, TX
The risk of tampering is significantly decreased with hair follicle tests. This testing method provides dependable and incontrovertible results by being resistant to common adulteration techniques, offering peace of mind for those relying on its accuracy in East Grayson.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in East Grayson, TX
Our expansive network of testing centers facilitates easy access to drug testing services. With convenient local sites available in East Grayson along with nationwide options, achieving hassle-free and prompt testing solutions is straightforward and efficient.
Simple, Confidential Process in East Grayson, TX
The process for ordering, taking, and obtaining hair follicle test results is straightforward and maintains confidentiality. This assures individuals of their privacy while ensuring ease of use, addressing common concerns and simplifying the testing experience in East Grayson.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in East Grayson, TX
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times are central to our service offering. We provide excellent value for various businesses, ensuring that our rapid and affordable solutions meet the needs of companies operating in East Grayson efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in East Grayson, TX
The precision of hair follicle drug tests ensures prompt and accurate results. These tests are known for their high accuracy, capable of detecting even trace amounts of substances, providing reliable data that helps employers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently in East Grayson.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in East Grayson, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, which in turn reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety. Employers gain confidence from these reliable tests, fostering a secure and compliant environment in East Grayson.
