Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be taken. When referring to head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair refers to all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test sample are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective approach to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be acceptable in legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are separated from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The specific process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often described as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Forsan, TX
Comparing hair tests to traditional urine tests, the former emerges superior in detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle testing offers an extended window for detection, capturing substance use over several months, while urine tests may only detect recent usage. This ensures a more comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use behavior, making hair tests a more reliable option.
Extended Detection Window in Forsan, TX
Hair follicle testing in Forsan, TX provides an extended detection period for drug use, reaching up to 90 days. This prolonged window allows for a detailed history of an individual's substance use, offering employers a better understanding of an employee's or candidate’s history. It is particularly beneficial in assessing long-term patterns of drug consumption, which is not possible with shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Forsan, TX
Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the potential for sample tampering, providing forensic-level reliability. This method ensures that the collected sample is authentic and offers results that are virtually unquestionable. Unlike urine tests, which can be adulterated or manipulated, hair samples remain intact and protected throughout the testing process, ensuring the utmost integrity and confidence in the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Forsan, TX
Our extensive network of testing centers across the country makes access to testing services simple and efficient in Forsan, TX. With numerous convenient locations nationwide, individuals and companies can expect easy and hassle-free testing processes. This wide coverage ensures that getting tested is not only accessible but also seamless, reducing the time and effort required for testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Forsan, TX
In Forsan, TX, our method for ordering, conducting, and getting results from hair follicle tests is both easy and confidential. The straightforward process addresses privacy concerns, ensuring peace of mind at every step. Individuals can confidently access testing services, knowing their information is handled with the utmost care, and results are provided in a discreet and secure manner.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Forsan, TX
Our competitive pricing structures and rapid result delivery offer exceptional value for companies in Forsan, TX. Businesses of all sizes benefit from the quick turnaround times, allowing for cost-effective and efficient management without compromising on quality or attention to detail. This ensures that reliable testing is within reach without straining budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Forsan, TX
Hair follicle drug tests in Forsan, TX offer unmatched precision in detecting substance use. These tests rapidly deliver accurate results, significantly enhancing the reliability of drug testing procedures. The speed and precision ensure that employers and individuals receive trustworthy information about substance use, facilitating quicker decision-making and increased confidence in the results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Forsan, TX
Using hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thereby mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety. Employers in Forsan can rely on these tests to reduce incidences of substance-related incidents on-site, offering peace of mind that operations remain compliant with necessary regulations. This proactive approach promotes a safer, more reliable working environment.
