Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of substances by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. Gathered near the scalp, a hair sample can offer up to a three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Its collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and it is easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches from approximately 200 strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or screens exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. Accurate measurement with a jeweler's scale is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair imply scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result includes four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into a lab's system, ensuring it was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any supplementary data not supplied electronically via a chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for substances of abuse. It's a cost-efficient approach to negate drug use for most samples. However, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples that screen positive require secondary confirmation.
Once a sample screens positive, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for the Extraction phase. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at very low concentrations, unlike urine or oral fluid, making hair drug tests particularly challenging.
Confirmation of any positive screen is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Before confirmation, all positive samples are washed as required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Gilchrist, TX, hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests in several ways. One significant benefit is its superior detection accuracy and reliability, which provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history.
Compared to urine tests, hair tests are hard to cheat due to the observed collection process, ensuring honest and dependable outcomes. This makes them the preferred choice for organizations enforcing stringent drug policies.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Gilchrist, TX, is a standout feature, capable of identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This long-term detection enables employers to gain a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance use history.
Offering insights far beyond the narrow window of urine tests, hair analysis helps companies make well-informed staffing decisions, enhancing workplace safety and integrity.
In Gilchrist, TX, hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chances of sample adulteration, making it a tamper-resistant testing method. This robust process ensures that the results are reliable and irrefutable.
By relying on this form of testing, organizations can confidently uphold their drug-free policies without the concern of manipulated samples, promoting a secure and honest work environment.
With nationwide testing centers and local availability in Gilchrist, TX, the convenience of hair follicle testing is unmatched. This ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free access to testing services, facilitating a smoother process for all involved parties.
The wide network of testing locations means that services are readily accessible, no matter where you are, providing ease of access and timely service to those in need.
Offering a simple and confidential process in Gilchrist, TX, hair follicle testing ensures ease from ordering to receiving results. This process addresses concerns regarding privacy, ensuring participants feel secure in the handling of their tests.
From start to finish, the procedure is straightforward and designed to minimize any stress or concern, providing a user-friendly experience that respects individual confidentiality.
In Gilchrist, TX, hair follicle testing is not only about accuracy but also about delivering affordable pricing and fast turnaround. These aspects offer excellent value, making it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
Our competitive pricing structures ensure quality without compromise, and rapid results keep companies informed and proactive, reinforcing the cost-effectiveness of choosing this testing method.
In Gilchrist, TX, hair follicle testing provides fast, accurate, and reliable drug testing results. This method excels by delivering precise information on substance use, ensuring that employers receive dependable insights into an individual's drug history.
Thanks to its precision and efficiency, hair testing not only enhances the accuracy but also expedites the drug screening process. This is particularly beneficial for companies looking to make swift and informed decisions.
For employers in Gilchrist, TX, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, providing reassurance and reducing legal risks. By adopting this method, companies can safeguard their environments and promote safety at every level.
Incorporating hair testing into regular protocols enhances workplace integrity and peace of mind, helping businesses maintain high standards of operational security and employee well-being.
