Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is perceived as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides a historical view of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. Hair samples taken close to the scalp can reveal alcohol and drug usage for up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, with limited potential for tampering and ease of transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches from around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and validation. For tests that include EtG, additional analyses, or exceed 10 panels, 150mg is preferred. A jeweler’s scale is advised for weighing the sample. In absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Scalp hair references solely head hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is systematically integrated into the lab’s system, involving the verification of its proper sealing and shipment, the assignment of a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary manual data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary analysis for drug abuse. While a cost-effective measure for initially ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positive cases during Screening necessitate further verification.
In instances of presumptive positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at significantly reduced concentrations than other methods such as urine or oral fluids, making hair drug testing the most challenging to conduct.
Positive results from the screening process are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives undergo a wash before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is overseen under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. In Fostoria, TX, this method provides a superior accuracy level that makes it a preferred choice for detecting long-term drug use. Compared to urine tests, hair tests are far more adept at revealing consistent usage patterns, offering employers an edge in ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window of up to 90 days in Fostoria, TX. This impressive timeframe allows employers to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug history, far beyond the capacity of shorter-range tests like urine, thus providing a more meaningful evaluation of substance use.
The integrity of hair follicle tests in Fostoria, TX is evident through their resistance to tampering. This method significantly lowers the risk of adulteration, making results reliable and unquestionable. Employers benefit from increased confidence in testing outcomes, ensuring that decisions are based on sound evidence.
Testing is made convenient with our numerous nationwide testing centers and local access points in Fostoria, TX. These centers ensure that individuals have quick, easy, and hassle-free access to essential testing services, streamlining the process for both employers and employees alike.
The simple and confidential process of hair follicle testing in Fostoria, TX ensures ease of use and respects privacy. From ordering to receiving results, the process is straightforward and designed to give users a sense of assurance, promoting privacy and convenience at every step.
In Fostoria, TX, hair follicle testing is both affordable and efficient. Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide organizations with excellent value, making drug testing accessible and effective for companies regardless of size. This affordability coupled with quick results supports informed decision-making.
Delivering fast, accurate, and reliable outcomes is the essence of hair follicle drug tests in Fostoria, TX. The precision of these tests is unmatched. They swiftly detect the presence of substances, assuring employers of timely and trustworthy results. This high accuracy makes hair testing an indispensable tool for organizations requiring robust testing regimes.
Employers in Fostoria, TX gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing. This method not only assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies but also reduces legal risks. The enhanced safety and confidence it provides are vital for maintaining a secure and compliant working environment.
