Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. By encapsulating biomarkers within the growing hair fibers, hair offers an extended history of substance use. Hair gathered near the scalp delivers a detection span of around three months for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, tough to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's width) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the perfect amount for testing. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It's best to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory assessment of a drug test consists of four distinct phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a specimen into a lab's framework. It includes confirming that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data required that is not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening serves as a preliminary test for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical solution for eliminating drug use in most specimens, a positive result must be verified to be admissible in legal scenarios. Any samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening need further confirmation.
If the Screening phase indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is taken from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Validation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Gordonville, TX
When weighing options, hair tests outshine urine tests due to superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair follicle testing excels in identifying substance use over longer durations, offering a comprehensive insight that urine tests fail to match. This longer window of detection provides profound benefits to employers in Gordonville.
Extended Detection Window in Gordonville, TX
Hair follicle testing's extended detection window—up to 90 days—provides a broad overview of an employee's or candidate's substance use history. For employers, this comprehensive insight supports sound decision-making, presenting a detailed timeline of potential substance use that urine tests can't offer.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Gordonville, TX
Hair follicle tests are designed to significantly reduce the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring the results are reliable and unquestionable. This method offers Gordonville employers a trustworthy option for safeguarding against sample adulteration, guaranteeing genuine and accurate readings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Gordonville, TX
Our nationwide network of testing centers, including local sites in Gordonville, provides easy and hassle-free access to testing services. This convenience ensures quick and seamless processes, minimizing the disruption to both employers and employees, allowing efficient handling of testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Gordonville, TX
The process for ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is both simple and confidential. Users are assured of privacy and ease of use, with streamlined steps that safeguard sensitive information, vital for individuals and employers alike in Gordonville.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Gordonville, TX
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing offers excellent value for businesses. Regardless of size, companies can benefit from cost-effective solutions without sacrificing quality or peace of mind, thanks to our efficient processes in Gordonville.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Gordonville, TX
Hair follicle drug testing offers a blend of precision and speed, ensuring highly accurate readings of substance use in Gordonville. These tests are unparalleled in quickly delivering dependable results, allowing employers to make informed decisions efficiently. Their reliability and detail-oriented nature make them a preferred choice.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Gordonville, TX
Employers using hair follicle tests can achieve peace of mind by maintaining workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies. This testing method reduces legal risks while contributing to a safer workplace. In Gordonville, it aids managers in enforcing strict and fair policies.