Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands offer a prolonged timeline of substance use by encapsulating biomarkers within the hair's fibers. When procured near the scalp, hair can present a detection timeframe of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (analogous to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG assessments, additional tests, and/or analyses surpassing 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. Head hair specifically denotes scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The comprehensive steps within laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase of inputting a specimen into the lab's system. This step involves confirming the appropriate sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning an unfamiliar LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any vital data entry beyond what an electronic custody chain provides.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for substance misuse. While it is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most specimens, a positive result must be verified for legal admissibility. Presumptively positive screenings necessitate follow-up confirmation.
Should a specimen yield a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair from the original sample is extracted and prepped for Extraction. This procedure extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug analysis the most challenging method.
Confirmation of any positive screening is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily positive are cleansed prior to necessary confirmation. The laboratory's entire process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing and traditional urine tests in El Paso, TX, hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests provide a broader detection window and are not reliant on very recent substance use, thus offering better overall accuracy.
Hair follicle testing in El Paso, TX, offers an extended detection window, allowing employers to review up to 90 days of an individual's drug use history. This provides a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee’s substance habits, adding depth to vetting processes.
Hair follicle tests in El Paso, TX, are a reliable method of drug testing as they significantly minimize the risk of tampered samples. These tests offer results that are dependable and critical for employers demanding accountability and precision.
Convenience is key with our nationwide and local testing centers in El Paso, TX. Our accessible locations ensure swift and hassle-free access to drug testing services. This widespread access simplifies the process for both individuals and companies seeking testing services.
Our straightforward and confidential testing process in El Paso, TX, ensures privacy and ease for those ordering, undergoing, and receiving test results. By addressing concerns regarding privacy and simplicity, the process remains user-friendly and discreet.
Our services in El Paso, TX, feature competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. By blending affordability with fast results, we offer exceptional value, granting peace of mind to companies, regardless of size, needing efficient screening solutions.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in El Paso, TX, make them an excellent choice. The tests boast high accuracy in detecting various substances, providing fast and reliable results. These aspects make them highly effective for organizations that need diligent screening processes.
Employing hair follicle testing in El Paso, TX, ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. It reduces legal risks and heightens safety in the workplace, offering employers peace of mind and fulfilling regulatory requirements for employee substance screening.
