Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the maturing hair strand. When sourced close to the scalp, hair can present a detection span of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is effortless to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When mentioning head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in a laboratory's drug testing process are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This step confirms the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial brief inspection for illicit drugs. While Screening efficiently rules out drug use for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is necessary for legal proceedings. Any samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen and groomed for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Each presumptive positive sample is cleaned before confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: The test commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests" actually analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In El Sauz, TX, hair follicle testing outshines urine testing by offering longer detection periods and superior reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, which detect drug use for a shorter duration, hair testing provides a more comprehensive view of substance use. Employers and legal entities favor this method for its unmatched accuracy and reliability, ensuring adherence to drug-free policies is maintained.
Advantages of Hair Testing:In El Sauz, TX, the value of hair follicle testing lies in its extended detection capabilities, noting drug use up to 90 days prior. This offers employers an in-depth understanding of an employee or candidate's substance history, far surpassing the limited timeframe of urine tests. With this broader view, hiring decisions are better informed, promoting a safer, more compliant workplace.
Comprehensive History:Hair follicle testing in El Sauz, TX, presents a tamper-resistant method that significantly diminishes sample adulteration risks, ensuring trustworthy outcomes. The resilience of hair testing makes it an ideal choice for organizations concerned with sample integrity. Compared to other testing methods, the consistently reliable results of hair testing reinforce its growing popularity.
Secure Testing Process:With numerous nationwide centers, including those in El Sauz, TX, accessing hair follicle testing services is hassle-free. Whether you're in a city or a rural area, our centers ensure you get the needed services quickly and effectively. The convenience offered by our expansive network makes it easy for both large and small organizations to maintain their testing regimens.
Wide Coverage:In El Sauz, TX, hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, ensuring user privacy is protected throughout the process. From ordering the test to obtaining results, every step is designed for ease and discretion, addressing concerns about privacy. This method provides peace of mind, affirming that your personal data remains secure at every stage.
Streamlined Process:Offering competitive pricing in El Sauz, TX, hair follicle testing ensures affordability paired with rapid result turnaround. Companies of all sizes benefit from both the economic and time-efficient nature of this testing method, granting them exceptional value. The straightforward pricing structure eliminates any unexpected costs, securing financial peace of mind.
Value-Focused:In El Sauz, TX, hair follicle drug testing is celebrated for its precision and speed. The ability to quickly and accurately detect substance use renders it a favorite among many organizations. Results from hair tests are not only reliable but are processed expediently, ensuring timely decision-making for employers and individuals alike. This efficiency minimizes wait times while maintaining an unwavering commitment to accuracy.
High Accuracy:For employers in El Sauz, TX, utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace policies, curbing legal risks and promoting a drug-free environment. By adopting this testing method, organizations demonstrate their commitment to maintaining safety and compliance, which can translate to improved employee satisfaction and reduced workplace incidents.
Compliance Assurance: