Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The hair strands effectively capture indicators of alcohol and drug intake over time. When samples are taken near the scalp, they can indicate usage over a span of roughly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for transportation.
An ideal sample consists of 1.5 inches of nearly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil), providing 100mg of hair for testing. For comprehensive tests like EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is preferable. It’s advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be taken. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair. The term body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The drug test result process involves four major steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the primary handling of a sample within the lab's framework. This phase ensures the sample’s integrity in sealing and shipping, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data not supplied digitally via a chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial examination for drug substances. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in most samples, positive screens must undergo confirmation to be legally valid. All samples flagged as presumptive positives during Screening warrant further verification.
When Screening suggests a positive, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine, oral fluid), underlying the complexity of hair drug testing methodology.
Positive screenings are authenticated using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation if needed. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards as well as ISO/IEC 17025 accreditations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in El Toro, TX:
Hair testing offers a longer detection window compared to urine tests, capturing a broader scope of an individual's history.
Moreover, hair tests eliminate the common manipulation associated with urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in El Toro, TX:
Hair follicle tests are preferred for reviewing an individual's substance use over time. They provide insights over an expansive period, up to 90 days, which is significantly longer than traditional tests.
For employers, this means they can precisely analyze a potential hire's or current employee's history, ensuring they align with the company’s standards and policies.
In El Toro, TX, hair follicle testing presents a nearly foolproof method against sample tampering. These tests involve a direct collection methodology that significantly minimizes the potential for alteration.
The solid structure of hair samples eliminates risks associated with switching samples or introducing foreign substances.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in El Toro, TX:
The wide-reaching network of testing centers provides easy access to services, ensuring both local and nationwide reach.
These locations facilitate a seamless testing process without logistical hassles.
Simple, Confidential Process in El Toro, TX:
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential.
From the initial setup to the final results, each step respects privacy and ensures ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in El Toro, TX:
Competitive pricing structures make hair follicle tests accessible for businesses of all sizes.
With swift result processing, these tests offer both value and peace of mind, helping companies make timely decisions.
In El Toro, TX, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and swiftness in delivering results. The meticulous approach of these tests ensures they detect substance use with remarkable accuracy.
High Accuracy: Hair tests avoid false negatives and false positives, making them a dependable choice.
Employing advanced technology, these tests reliably trace substance levels, offering trustworthy outcomes every time.
Speed: Despite their thoroughness, they provide quick results, essential for making informed decisions without delay.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in El Toro, TX:
Hair testing helps companies maintain compliance with stringent workplace drug policies, promoting a safer work atmosphere.
This testing also helps in reducing potential legal risks associated with substance misuse in the workplace.
