Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now regarded as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair keeps a prolonged history of substances by locking in biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is obtained near the scalp, it can yield around a 3-month time frame for determining drug and alcohol intake. It is easy to gather, challenging to manipulate, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch section including about 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will constitute 100mg, which is an optimal amount for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is recommended. If no scalp hair is present, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal stages in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is introduced into a laboratory’s system. It involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails an initial quick evaluation for substances of abuse. It’s a cost-efficient approach for excluding drug presence in most samples; however, a positive result must be verified to be used legally. Any samples deemed presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary verification.
When a sample shows a presumptive positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves isolating drugs from hair at a lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis complex to conduct.
Positive screening results go through Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptive positive are cleaned before Confirmation as necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the examination is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Halfway, TX
Hair follicle testing offers crucial benefits over traditional urine testing methods. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it ideal for clients in Halfway, TX. Hair tests provide a more extended detection window and are less susceptible to fraudulent attempts compared to urine tests, ensuring clear and dependable results for employers and authorities alike.
Extended Detection Window in Halfway, TX
One of the outstanding features of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over a much more extended duration, often up to 90 days. This gives employers in Halfway, TX a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's substance usage history, facilitating more informed hiring and workforce management decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Halfway, TX
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Halfway, TX owes much to its tamper-resistant nature. By significantly minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, hair tests ensure the reliability and authenticity of results. This robustness offers users peace of mind, knowing that the outcomes are trustworthy and difficult to manipulate.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Halfway, TX
Our accredited testing centers are situated conveniently both nationwide and locally in Halfway, TX, providing quick, effortless, and convenient access to drug testing services. This network ensures that scheduling and completing tests is straightforward, accommodating business needs without interruptions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Halfway, TX
Our hair follicle testing procedure in Halfway, TX is straightforward and maintains confidentiality at every stage. From ordering a test to receiving results, clients can rest assured about the security and privacy of their data. This streamlined approach caters to the comfort and trust of organizations and individuals alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Halfway, TX
Enjoy competitive pricing and prompt turnaround times with our services in Halfway, TX. Our cost-effective solutions offer substantial value, enabling businesses of varying sizes to implement comprehensive testing without financial strain, promoting both peace of mind and robust operational practices efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Halfway, TX
Hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable precision and speed. They boast high accuracy in identifying substance use, making them a preferred choice in Halfway, TX. The fast turnaround time for results ensures efficient processing and reliable outcomes, helping stakeholders make informed decisions quickly. Their advanced detection technology results in superior performance and quality.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Halfway, TX
Hair follicle testing provides employers in Halfway, TX with a foolproof method to verify adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This risk mitigation tool eases legal worries and boosts workplace safety, giving companies the peace of mind that they are compliant and proactive in their employee safety programs.