Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly viewed as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended history of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug use for a period of up to about three months. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches and consisting of approximately 200 hairs (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample for examination and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding ten panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. It’s advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, a proportional amount of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Meanwhile, body hair refers to all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab’s system. This step includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing necessary data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for it to be legally valid. Samples that test presumptive positive during Screening need further confirmation.
If the Screening stage indicates a presumptive positive, more hair is extracted from the original sample and set for Extraction. This step involves removing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug screening is among the hardest methodologies to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the testing actually analyzes the hair strands and not the follicles beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in Grey Forest, TX, the former leads in accuracy and detection. Hair testing offers a level of reliability that urine tests can struggle to match. Its prolonged detection window and intricate analysis deliver assured accuracy.
For employers in Grey Forest, TX, hair follicle testing provides insight into up to 90 days of an individual’s substance history. This extensive detection window allows for a thorough review of past drug use, proving invaluable for evaluating the substance history of applicants or employees.
In Grey Forest, TX, hair follicle tests are celebrated for their resistance to tampering. This method effectively diminishes the chance of sample adulteration, offering steadfast results that remain uncontested, ensuring confidence in the testing process.
In Grey Forest, TX, our extensive network of nationwide testing centers provides unmatched convenience. Access to quick and straightforward testing services becomes effortless, eliminating the hassle and ensuring efficient service delivery.
In Grey Forest, TX, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, administering, and obtaining results is streamlined to assure privacy, addressing all concerns with an emphasis on ease of use and discreet handling.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Grey Forest, TX combines value with efficiency. Our affordable packages cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring economic peace of mind with swift and reliable outcomes.
In Grey Forest, TX, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision and speed. It offers superior accuracy in identifying substance use, ensuring individuals are evaluated with the highest standards. Rapid processing times mean results are available swiftly without sacrificing dependability.
Businesses in Grey Forest, TX benefit by employing hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free workplace policies. This approach mitigates legal issues, supports safety standards, and assures compliance, granting employers enhanced peace of mind.
