Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair serves as a record of alcohol and drug consumption over time by embedding biomarkers in the hair fibers as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer up to around a three-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, complicating tampering attempts, and the samples are easy to mail.
An ideal sample for testing comprises a 1.5-inch cut of approximately 200 hair fibers (comparable in thickness to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg of hair. For tests including EtG or panels over 10, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the process of introducing a sample into the lab’s system. This includes checking that the specimen is sealed and shipped appropriately, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. This step is a cost-efficient way to discount drug use in the majority of samples, but a positive screening result necessitates confirmation to be admitted in legal proceedings. Samples identified as presumptively positive during Screening require an additional confirmation stage.
For samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at much lower levels than in alternative methodologies, such as urine or oral fluids, which is why hair drug screening remains one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any screening positive result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation where necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is validated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the examination targets the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to conventional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Gruhlkey, TX, boasts superior detection capabilities and reliability, making it a more dependable screening method. Hair tests reveal a broader history of drug use, unlike urine tests that only detect recent ingestion. This comprehensive insight helps in enforcing strict drug-free policies, proving hair testing as the ultimate choice.
Employers in Gruhlkey, TX, benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, spanning up to 90 days. Such tests offer a thorough view of an individual's substance use history, unlike urine tests which cover a limited timeframe. This provides assurance to employers about the applicant's or employee's long-term habits, aiding informed decision-making in hiring or monitoring.
Hair follicle testing in Gruhlkey, TX, is a robust solution against sample tampering. The integrity of the hair sample remains intact from collection to analysis, minimizing risks of adulteration that can compromise results. With this testing method, both employers and individuals can trust the outcome, knowing it reflects a true representation of substance use.
With testing locations nationwide, including Gruhlkey, TX, Accredited Drug Testing makes accessing services seamless and hassle-free. Convenience is a priority, enabling quick and effortless testing processes for individuals and employers alike. Our extensive network of centers ensures that drug testing is readily available, no matter the geographical location.
In Gruhlkey, TX, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease for all parties involved. From ordering to receiving results, the entire procedure is streamlined and secure. Clients can proceed with confidence, knowing their privacy is a top priority throughout this straightforward process.
Accredited Drug Testing in Gruhlkey, TX, offers competitive pricing for hair follicle tests, coupled with fast turnaround times. This blend of affordability and efficiency allows companies of various sizes to benefit from premium testing services without exceeding budget constraints. Our fast service delivery ensures return of investment through prompt, reliable results.
Gruhlkey, TX, offers swift, precise hair follicle testing that promises high accuracy in identifying substance use. This testing method is renowned for its rapid results, ensuring individuals and employers receive reliable information promptly. The accuracy and speed of hair follicle drug testing make it a preferred choice among those who demand dependable results.
For Gurhlkey, TX, employers, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, providing peace of mind through compliance. It reduces legal liabilities and fosters a safe working environment, contributing to overall workforce productivity. Implementing hair tests signifies a commitment to high safety standards and regulatory stability.
