Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as a potent technique for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When obtained near the scalp, hair can provide roughly a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair may be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" refers to all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key laboratory steps for processing a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's system, confirming proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid check for substances of abuse. Screening is an economical approach to identify potential drug usage in most samples. However, any positive findings in Screening necessitate confirmation for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples that are likely positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the challenge of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis involves the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Fulton, TX
Comparing hair follicle tests and urine tests illustrates the limitations of the latter. Hair testing provides superior detection accuracy and reliability, catching substances that urine tests might miss. Employers in Fulton, TX benefit from the expanded detection window and robustness of hair tests.
Extended Detection Window in Fulton, TX
Hair follicle testing offers an impressive extended detection period, capturing drug use history up to 90 days. This advantage provides Fulton, TX employers with a broad view of an applicant's or employee's substance patterns, giving them confidence in hiring decisions or ongoing evaluations.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Fulton, TX
Hair follicle tests boast a highly tamper-resistant method, significantly diminishing the ability to adulterate samples. This ensures that the results are reliable and unquestionable, a crucial requirement for organizations prioritizing accuracy and integrity in Fulton, TX.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Fulton, TX
With testing centers positioned nationwide, accessing services becomes incredibly convenient. In Fulton, TX, the ease and accessibility of testing locations ensure quick, hassle-free testing services are within reach for all who need them.
Simple, Confidential Process in Fulton, TX
The process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, the entire procedure is streamlined for convenience, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring efficiency for those in Fulton, TX.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Fulton, TX
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing provides excellent value to companies of all sizes. In Fulton, TX, this service ensures that organizations can rely on affordable, timely results, contributing to effective and economical drug testing strategies.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Fulton, TX
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug tests make them stand out in Fulton, TX. These tests are renowned for their high accuracy in detecting substances, providing outcomes that employers and individuals can trust. In contrast to traditional methods, hair tests offer superior reliability, ensuring that substance use is effectively detected.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Fulton, TX
Employers using hair follicle testing in Fulton, TX can ensure workplace policy compliance, reducing legal risks, and enhancing safety. It offers peace of mind, guaranteeing a drug-free environment which is vital in maintaining a secure and healthy workplace culture.
