Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective means for revealing drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers into the hair's structure as it grows. By collecting hair near the scalp, one can obtain a detection period of roughly up to three months for substances. The simplicity of hair collection, its resistance to tampering, and ease of transportation make it advantageous.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, deemed the optimal quantity for both screening and verifying. For tests involving EtG, additional analyses, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a comparable volume of bodily hair may be gathered. References to head hair exclusively pertain to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures within a laboratory drug test evaluation comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary integration of a specimen into the lab’s infrastructure. This step encompasses ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, allocating an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing outstanding data entry absent in the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening serves as an economical approach to exclude drug consumption for most samples, any positive findings require confirmation to be legally valid. Specimens that test presumptive positive in Screening mandate a subsequent confirmation.
Assuming a presumptive positive result in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Affirmation of any positive screening results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle below the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to urine tests in Garland, TX, the benefits are clear. Hair testing boasts superior detection accuracy and provides reliable results, making it a favorable choice over traditional urine tests.
Employers appreciate the precision of hair testing, ensuring a higher level of trust and compliance with substance-free policies.
One of the key advantages of hair follicle testing in Garland, TX, is its extended detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, hair testing offers a detailed view of an individual's substance history.
This comprehensive detection period is invaluable for employers seeking insight into potential employee substance use.
Hair follicle testing in Garland, TX, significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering. The method is highly tamper-resistant, ensuring the results are reliable and beyond dispute.
Employers benefit from knowing that the results reflect true substance use, providing peace of mind.
With convenient nationwide testing centers including those in Garland, TX, accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. Our extensive network ensures easy access to reliable testing solutions.
Whether at a national level or locally in Garland, TX, testing is both straightforward and accessible.
In Garland, TX, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step prioritizes ease of use and privacy.
Concerns about confidentiality are addressed, ensuring individuals can trust the testing process.
Garland, TX offers hair follicle testing that is both affordable and swift. Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times provide excellent value for businesses of any size.
The balance of cost-effectiveness and prompt service ensures businesses get the most value from their testing needs.
In Garland, TX, hair follicle drug testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable results. The precision of hair testing surpasses traditional methods, offering a comprehensive look at one's substance use history.
The ability to quickly and accurately detect substance use makes hair follicle testing an ideal option for many employers and individuals.
For employers in Garland, TX, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and provides peace of mind. By adhering to a drug-free policy, workplaces reduce legal risks and enhance overall safety.
Employers can rely on hair testing to maintain a safe and compliant workplace environment.
