Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use. With samples taken near the scalp, it is possible to detect substances from up to a three-month period. Hair collections are straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing around 200 hair strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) near the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or exams beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a comparable volume of body hair can be gathered. References to head hair indicate scalp hair only, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in processing drug test results in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the initial incorporation of a sample into a lab's database. This step includes confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody record.
Screening entails an initial rapid examination for substance abuse. Even though Screening effectively excludes drug use for most samples, a positive finding requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any Screening-positive samples necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. At this stage, substances are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Confirmation of results from positive screenings is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although termed as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why does hair follicle testing prevail over urine tests in Glidden, TX? Hair follicle tests surpass traditional methods through their enduring detection capability. Unlike urine tests, which may only identify recent drug use, hair tests provide a retrospective insight into an individual's drug habits, offering a comprehensive image that employers value.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Glidden, TX, provides a thorough view of an individual's substance usage history. Employers benefit by gaining detailed insights into potential hires or current employees' past behavior, helping to build a safer, more efficient workplace.
Hair follicle tests in Glidden, TX, dramatically minimize the possibility of tampering. This provides businesses and legal systems with reliable results, ensuring that no individual can manipulate their drug test outcome. This level of security is paramount for organizations imposing strict drug-free policies.
Offering convenience, our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including Glidden, TX, guarantees accessible testing services. This ensures that every organization and individual has swift and hassle-free access, making the drug testing process efficient and stress-free.
In Glidden, TX, the process of hair follicle drug testing is simple and confidential. Clients can order and receive results discreetly, ensuring privacy is maintained throughout. From appointment scheduling to results notification, every step is designed to provide ease of use and comfort for all involved.
Our competitive pricing and quick turnaround times make hair follicle testing not only efficient but also cost-effective for businesses in Glidden, TX. Regardless of the company's size, our services provide exceptional value, ensuring peace of mind without straining the budget.
In Glidden, TX, hair follicle tests stand out due to their rapid, precise, and consistent outcomes. This method's accuracy ensures that even the smallest traces of drugs are detected, offering peace of mind in ensuring a drug-free environment. Their timely results ensure decisions can be made swiftly, without sacrificing accuracy, which is vital in fast-paced business settings.
Employers in Glidden, TX can ensure compliance with drug-free workplace protocols by utilizing hair follicle testing. This reliable method supplements peace of mind, knowing these tests alleviate legal liabilities and bolster workplace safety, enhancing the overall productivity and morale of employees.
