Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a comprehensive history of alcohol and drug use by locking biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When hair is taken near the scalp, it offers a detection period of approximately three months for alcohol and drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and it is easily shippable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen amount of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, a corresponding amount of body hair is acceptable. Reference to head hair specifically means scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four core stages in processing a lab drug test result are: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves preliminary processing of a sample in a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it is an economical method to rule out drug use for most samples, a confirmed screen is required for legal acceptance. Samples indicating a positive result during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during Screening, a subsequent portion of hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction step. Here, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any initial positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked presumptively positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The lab procedures from Accessioning to Confirmation are scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Farmers Branch, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing in effectiveness. It offers superior accuracy and reliability, with a longer detection period compared to traditional urine tests.
Employers in Farmers Branch, TX benefit greatly from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window, capable of tracking drug use for up to 90 days. This gives a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
In Farmers Branch, TX, hair follicle tests greatly decrease the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. This method is notably resistant to tampering attempts.
Our nationwide testing centers, including in Farmers Branch, TX, offer convenient access to testing services, ensuring quick and hassle-free experiences.
In Farmers Branch, TX, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential, assuring privacy and ease of use for all involved.
Farmers Branch, TX prides itself on affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times, providing excellent value and peace for companies of all sizes.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests ensure fast and reliable results in Farmers Branch, TX. These tests accurately detect substance use, offering superior detection accuracy.
Employers in Farmers Branch, TX achieve compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and promotes safety.
