Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as a highly effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair may offer a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of about 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG add-ons and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is suggested to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. When mentioning head hair, we exclusively refer to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Processing a drug test result in the laboratory involves four main steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial registration into a laboratory’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a quick preliminary test for substances of abuse. While Screening efficiently eliminates the majority of non-positive samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Presumptively positive samples from Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction preparation. At this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at a concentration much lower than in other methods such as urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Ennis, TX, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests that cover a shorter detection window, hair testing provides a detailed overview of substance use. This comprehensive approach effectively meets the needs of employers enforcing drug-free workplace policies, minimizing risks associated with drug use in professional environments.
Hair follicle testing in Ennis, TX, provides an extended detection window that can cover up to 90 days of drug use. This feature allows employers to get a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, offering a robust evaluation compared to traditional testing methods. This long-term detection is invaluable for making well-informed hiring or continued employment decisions.
In Ennis, TX, the reliability of hair follicle tests is unmatched, as they are designed to be tamper-resistant. They greatly minimize the possibility of sample adulteration, ensuring that the results are both trustworthy and irrefutable. This characteristic is key to maintaining the integrity of the testing process, providing confidence in the results for both employers and employees alike.
Access to drug testing services in Ennis, TX, is convenient with our nationwide testing centers. We offer quick, easy, and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing across the country. This wide accessibility helps ensure that individuals and organizations can find a local testing center readily, facilitating a seamless process from sample collection to receiving results.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results in Ennis, TX, is simple and confidential. Individuals concerned with privacy can trust that their information is safeguarded throughout the process. This transparency and ease of use ensure users feel secure, assured by the professionalism of the testing services provided.
In Ennis, TX, hair follicle testing is offered with affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. Our competitive pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value, ensuring companies of all sizes can benefit from efficient testing services that deliver results promptly, enhancing peace of mind and facilitating informed decision-making.
The hair follicle drug testing process in Ennis, TX, is renowned for its precision and speed. It provides highly accurate and quick results, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable substance use detection methods. This efficiency ensures that individuals and organizations receive their results promptly, reducing waiting times and facilitating informed decision-making.
For Ennis, TX employers, incorporating hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug policies and enhances workplace safety. This method not only helps reduce legal risks but also provides a sense of peace of mind, knowing that all potential substance-related issues are addressed proactively, contributing to a safer and more efficient working environment.
