Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations are recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged record of substance use. When obtained from the scalp's vicinity, hair can provide a detection period of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands resembling the width of a #2 pencil, yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is advised. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equal quantity of body hair is a viable alternative. The term head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system. This ensures the sample's correct sealing and shipment, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes additional data entries not covered by electronic custody systems.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although it’s a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, any positive screen requires further confirmation to be legally accepted. Samples yielding presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
In cases of presumptive positive outcomes during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen for the Extraction phase. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques carry out the Confirmation of any positive screening outcome. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to Confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards' accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Gholson, TX has distinct benefits over traditional urine testing. Superior detection is achieved, as hair samples can reflect substance use over longer periods, unlike urine tests which may miss habits beyond a few days. This ensures a broad understanding of an individual's drug use history and is valued by employers for making informed hiring decisions.
Offering an extended detection window, hair follicle testing in Gholson, TX identifies drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This provides employers with insight into long-term habits, a critical factor when evaluating the substance history of applicants or employees. Such extensive coverage aides in making well-informed employment decisions.
In Gholson, TX, hair follicle testing is favored for its tamper-resistant qualities. The method significantly reduces sample tampering risks, offering results that can be trusted. Unlike urine tests, which are more susceptible to manipulation, hair tests ensure their reliability and accuracy, safeguarding employer interests.
Convenience is central to our services in Gholson, TX. With testing centers located nationwide, including local places, accessing hair follicle testing is straightforward. Quick and easy access ensures no hassle, making the entire process efficient for both employers and individuals.
The process in Gholson, TX is simple and private. Ordering, undertaking the test, and receiving results is straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns. With steps designed for ease, individuals and employers can expect a hassle-free experience.
Offering affordability and efficiency, our hair follicle testing in Gholson, TX boasts competitive pricing and fast turnaround times. This adds value, ensuring companies of all scales receive excellent service without compromise, reinforcing a stress-free experience.
The credentials of hair follicle drug testing in Gholson, TX lie in its speed and accuracy. Designed to deliver swift results, these tests are remarkably accurate in identifying substance use. High precision is key, reducing false positives and negatives, providing reliable outcomes. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for many employers who value diligence and precision.
In Gholson, TX, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. Employers benefit from reduced legal liabilities and enhanced workplace safety. It's a peace-of-mind solution, providing a straightforward way to uphold a drug-free environment.