Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the growing hair strand's fibers. If gathered close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for identifying alcohol and drug presence. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp offers 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional substances, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample size is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This procedure ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any further data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary scan for drugs of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive screen must be verified for court acceptance. Any samples that preliminarily test positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
In cases where a sample preliminarily tests positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at a significantly reduced concentration in comparison to alternative methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening presents as the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the examination primarily analyzes the hair strand itself and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in El Campo, TX
The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine sampling are apparent, with superior detection capabilities and reliability. Hair tests outperform traditional urine tests by offering prolonged detection windows, thus ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's substance history, ultimately making it a preferred choice for stringent drug policy adherence in El Campo.
Extended Detection Window in El Campo, TX
With a 90-day detection period, hair follicle testing provides a broader picture of drug consumption patterns. Valuable to employers, it delivers extended insights into an applicant's or employee's drug history, thereby facilitating informed hiring and employment decisions. This long detection window in El Campo enables in-depth analysis for more responsible workforce management.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in El Campo, TX
Reducing the potential of sample tampering, hair follicle drug tests ensure results are trustworthy and undeniable. The methodology applied in hair testing prevents adulteration, maintaining the integrity of the samples throughout the testing process, and is particularly effective in El Campo for securing authentic substance use profiles.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in El Campo, TX
Available at numerous testing centers nationwide, hair follicle drug testing becomes a breeze with our locations. El Campo residents benefit from convenient, local test sites, providing easy access to effective drug screening services, ensuring a seamless testing experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in El Campo, TX
Our testing process is straightforward and secure, ensuring privacy and ease from ordering to results receipt. Concerns about discretion are addressed with our el Campo services, making it a smooth and private experience for those seeking accurate and confidential hair follicle drug testing solutions.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in El Campo, TX
Our competitive pricing structures combined with swift turnaround times provide excellent value for enterprises of all sizes in El Campo. We reinforce affordability while ensuring the assurance of accurate results promptly, highlighting our commitment to delivering cost-effective and efficient drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in El Campo, TX
Hair follicle drug tests offer impressive precision and swift results in El Campo, TX. These tests are highly accurate, efficiently identifying substance use by detecting traces of drugs within the hair. With their reliability and speed, hair follicle tests provide peace of mind for employers and organizations needing quick, definitive assessments.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in El Campo, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing assists in maintaining compliance with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal exposure while improving safety. Employers in El Campo gain confidence and peace of mind, knowing their testing protocols meet regulations and contribute to a healthier work environment.
