Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of hair as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer up to an approximate 3-month period for the detection of alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. The term head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be legally acceptable. Samples that return as potentially positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is potentially positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples tentatively identified as positive are laundered before confirmation as necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
In comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests, Fannin, TX residents note several advantages. Hair tests boast superior detection precision and reliability, offering a more detailed examination. This form of testing captures long-term drug use, advancing beyond the immediate snapshot urine tests supply, ensuring better safety and integrity.
One of the standout features of hair follicle testing in Fannin, TX is its ability to detect substance use over a prolonged period, up to 90 days. This extended detection window is valuable for employers seeking a deeper understanding of an employee or candidate's drug history, going beyond momentary traces found in shorter-term tests.
Hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant testing method, substantially reducing the likelihood of sample sabotage. In Fannin, TX, this ensures confidence in the test results' authenticity, as the collection process is less susceptible to interference compared to other methods. Employers and legal bodies alike benefit from this level of certainty.
With testing centers nationwide, getting tested in Fannin, TX is hassle-free and convenient. Our strategically located facilities ensure participants have easy access, minimizing travel time and maximizing efficiency. This widespread availability demonstrates our commitment to accommodating diverse needs and ensuring quick, seamless service.
In Fannin, TX, the hair follicle testing process is marked by simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, testing, and receiving results are all streamlined to prioritize user privacy and ease. Individuals and organizations can participate in the process knowing their concerns regarding discretion and simplicity are adequately addressed.
In Fannin, TX, we offer competitive pricing and rapid result delivery, ensuring solid value for enterprises of all sizes. Quick turnaround times mean companies can focus on business instead of waiting for answers. This combination of affordability and speed underscores our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible drug testing services.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them an attractive option in Fannin, TX. With a high level of accuracy, these tests reliably detect substance use, providing timely results. This quick turnaround is essential for employers and individuals needing urgent solutions, ensuring peace of mind without the long wait.
For employers in Fannin, TX, implementing hair follicle testing enhances compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method lessens legal liabilities and promotes a safer work environment. By offering thorough and consistent evaluations, employers gain peace of mind, knowing they uphold a commitment to a drug-free workspace.
