Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The long-term record provided by hair encapsulates biomarkers within its strands as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can detect substances such as alcohol for a period reaching up to three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and transportation is straightforward.
Obtaining a 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp yields a sample of 100mg, which is optimal for evaluation and validation. For testing like EtG or panels exceeding ten, it is advisable to have 150mg of hair. Measuring the sample's weight on a jeweler’s scale is advisable. If there's no scalp hair, equivalent body hair may be utilized. References to head hair strictly pertain to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing in the lab’s system, including confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary, economical test for drugs, effectively ruling out usage in many cases; however, positive results require confirmation for legal purposes. Samples with positive presumptions in Screening necessitate further validation.
Presumptively positive samples from Screening are further processed in the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than methodologies like urine or oral fluid, thus making hair drug testing the most challenging to execute.
Confirmation for positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Necessary washing of presumptive positives precedes confirmation. The laboratory process is audited from Accessioning to Confirmation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", these actually evaluate the hair strand, not the follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fowlkes, TX
Hair follicle testing is superior to the traditional urine tests as it offers a more extensive detection window and greater precision in identifying drug use. Unlike urine tests, hair tests are less prone to evasion, providing a more reliable indication of long-term substance usage, making it a valuable tool in maintaining drug-free environments.
Extended Detection Window in Fowlkes, TX
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which can reach up to 90 days, permits employers in Fowlkes, TX to obtain a detailed understanding of an individual's substance use over a longer period. This testing method offers a broader perspective on historical drug use, ensuring informed decision-making for recruitment and employment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fowlkes, TX
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes tampering risks, providing reliable and foolproof results. This testing process is conducted under observation, ensuring sample integrity. The robustness of hair testing offers confidence to employers that the results are both trustworthy and unobstructable, reinforcing its credibility.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fowlkes, TX
Our widespread testing facilities, including those in Fowlkes, TX, are designed for convenience, ensuring seamless access to services. This extensive network of centers makes it simple to engage in drug testing, whether on a local scale or across different regions, simplifying the testing process for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fowlkes, TX
The hair follicle testing procedure in Fowlkes, TX is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. From ordering the test to obtaining results, every step is streamlined to protect privacy while ensuring ease of use, providing a discreet approach to managing substance testing requirements.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fowlkes, TX
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Fowlkes, TX deliver exceptional value, catering to companies of all sizes. These factors combine to provide businesses with efficient and economic solutions to meet their drug testing needs with assurance and ease.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fowlkes, TX
Our hair follicle drug testing in Fowlkes, TX stands out due to its remarkable accuracy and swiftness. This method is highly adept at identifying substances, ensuring precise and credible outcomes. The ability to reliably detect substances makes hair testing a preferred choice for rapid and dependable drug screening purposes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fowlkes, TX
Utilizing hair follicle tests aids employers in Fowlkes, TX in upholding drug-free standards and adhering to regulatory compliance. This approach reduces legal liabilities while promoting workplace safety, giving employers assurance and peace of mind regarding the integrity and security of their work environment.
