Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair that is growing. Collected near the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs up to around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and effortless to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp equals 100mg, which is the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning addresses the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any further data requirements not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves carrying out an initial examination for drugs of abuse. Screening proves to be a cost-effective procedure to eliminate drug usage for most samples, but a positive screening needs verification to be valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a specimen shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, further hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing presents the most complicated methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive result in screening is realized using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, any presumptive positive samples undergo washing. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle vs. Urine Testing in Fullerville, TX
When comparing hair testing with traditional urine tests, hair tests display superior detection capabilities and reliability. While urine tests excel in recent usage detection, hair tests offer an extended window to trace back drug use over several months. This attribute provides a broader insight into long-term drug habits, essential for employers and legal entities enforcing strict anti-drug policies.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Fullerville, TX, can trace drug use back up to 90 days. This vast analysis period furnishes employers with a detailed view of an applicant or current employee’s drug use profile, proving vital for maintaining drug-free workplaces and ensuring responsible, high-performance workforce standards.
Hair follicle testing in Fullerville, TX, employs a tamper-resistant method that significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This testing ensures that each result obtained is reliable and irrefutable, maintaining the integrity of the process and upholding confidence in the results' authenticity.
The observed collection process involved in hair testing drastically reduces any chances of cheating, ensuring that results remain untainted and valid.
Accessible and easy-to-reach, our nationwide and local testing centers in Fullerville, TX, ensure swift and hassle-free services. No matter where you're located, you can easily find a testing location near you, guaranteeing quick access to essential testing services in a worry-free manner.
The hair follicle drug testing process is designed to be simple and confidential in Fullerville, TX. From ordering a test to obtaining results, every step prioritizes privacy and ease, alleviating any concerns related to the security and confidentiality of personal data during the testing phase.
Our cost-effective pricing and rapid turnaround for hair follicle testing in Fullerville, TX, offer great value for companies of all sizes. This affordability, coupled with swift processing times, makes it an appealing option for businesses seeking thorough and expeditious drug testing solutions.
In Fullerville, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer precision and efficiency, ensuring fast and reliable results. These tests are known for their high accuracy and ability to detect various substances, making them preferable over other testing methods. Hair tests provide a trustworthy assessment, reducing doubts about drug usage patterns and uncovering substance use that may otherwise go undetected.
With state-of-the-art techniques, these tests deliver quick results without compromising reliability. Each test is designed to accurately dissect a subject's drug history, confirming any substance use with unparalleled precision. The rapid turnaround, combined with their analytical depth, makes hair follicle testing the top choice for comprehensive substance detection.
Employers in Fullerville, TX, find peace of mind and compliance using hair follicle testing, aligning with workplace drug-free policies. The method assists in reducing legal risks and enhancing overall workplace safety, providing reliable data on employee drug use and supporting a healthy, productive working environment.
