Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly seen as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a long-term overview of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of an elongating hair strand. If hair is collected near the scalp, it can yield up to a three-month detection period for drugs and alcohol. It's straightforward to obtain, hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or analyses exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, an equal quantity of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair only, whereas body hair includes all other types of hair (e.g., facial, armpit).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This process involves confirming that the sample remains sealed and is properly dispatched, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening applies an initial, rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical means to exclude drug use on most samples, a positive finding must be verified for legal admissibility. Any samples considered presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is indicated as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. During this process, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging approach to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positivity undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is undertaken following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Though often dubbed "hair follicle tests," the analysis concerns the hair strand rather than the scalp-embedded follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Forest Glade, TXIn Forest Glade, TX, hair follicle tests surpass traditional urine tests, offering superior accuracy and reliability by detecting substances that urine tests might miss.
Compared to urine tests, hair follicle tests minimize chances of evasion and provide a broader detection spectrum, solidifying them as the preferred choice for stringent workplace policies.
Extended Detection Window in Forest Glade, TXHair follicle testing provides a robust window for detecting drug use over up to 90 days. This extended timeline gives employers a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance history.
A longer detection period empowers employers in Forest Glade, TX, to make informed decisions and maintain a substance-free environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Forest Glade, TXHair follicle tests greatly reduce the risk of sample tampering, ensuring reliable and unquestionable outcomes.
The resistance to adulteration makes hair tests the choice for thorough and dependable testing in Forest Glade, TX, safeguarding the integrity of drug screening processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Forest Glade, TXOur extensive network of testing centers nationwide ensures hassle-free access to our services, no matter your location.
In Forest Glade, TX, individuals and businesses benefit from local testing centers, facilitating a smooth, quick, and efficient process.
Simple, Confidential Process in Forest Glade, TXAccredited Drug Testing ensures a straightforward and confidential procedure from ordering to result retrieval, minimizing privacy concerns for users.
In Forest Glade, TX, our process is designed to maintain confidentiality while providing a user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Forest Glade, TXWe offer competitive pricing and swift result times, ensuring excellent value for businesses keen on cost-effective drug testing services.
In Forest Glade, TX, our fast turnaround provides quick answers, facilitating prompt decision-making and enhancing operational efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Forest Glade, TXHair follicle tests offer a precise and speedy solution for detecting substance use. Their exceptional accuracy ensures dependable outcomes in identifying various substances.
In Forest Glade, TX, accredited centers utilize advanced technology to deliver high fidelity results, guaranteeing timely and conclusive reporting that employers can rely on.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Forest Glade, TXUtilizing hair follicle testing supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies, reducing legal concerns.
This method enhances workplace safety, providing peace of mind for employers in Forest Glade, TX, by ensuring adherence to legislative and safety standards.
