Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of drug and alcohol use by integrating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and other drug usage for up to around three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial screening and further confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample weight. If scalp hair isn’t available, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. When we mention head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses any other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory analysis of a drug test result comprises four major phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning represents the initial step of processing a sample into the lab's workflow. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for the presence of drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a budget-friendly means to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening must be verified to be valid in legal situations. Any samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and then readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to perform.
Confirmation of any positive result from screening is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required before confirmation. The full laboratory workflow, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers a distinct advantage over urine tests in Hamlin, TX. Its long-term drug detection capability makes it ideal for comprehensive substance use evaluations. Traditional urine tests may miss recent use, but hair tests provide an extended detection window, ensuring reliable assessments. This makes hair testing a preferred choice, especially when accuracy and detection history are crucial.
Hamlin, TX employers appreciate the extended detection window of 90 days that hair follicle testing provides. This comprehensive window offers an insightful look into an individual's substance use history, proving invaluable when making employment decisions. Unlike shorter-term tests, hair testing reveals consistent patterns of use, aiding in a thorough assessment of an applicant's past behavior.
In Hamlin, TX, hair follicle testing is revered for its tamper-resistant nature. The process minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, providing assured and reliable results. The difficulty in manipulating hair samples translates into credible outcomes, ensuring the integrity of the testing process and the validity of results.
Thus, making it a trusted choice in sensitive drug testing scenarios.
Nationwide and local testing locations in Hamlin, TX ensure that drug testing is accessible and convenient. Our expansive testing network provides quick and easy access to services, eliminating the hassle and wait often associated with other testing options.
This accessibility reflects our commitment to delivering efficient and seamless testing experiences for individuals and employers alike.
The process of conducting hair follicle tests in Hamlin, TX combines simplicity and confidentiality. Participants can order, take tests, and receive their results with ease and discretion. Privacy is paramount, and our streamlined methods ensure participant comfort and security, addressing any concerns individuals might have regarding their test experience.
In Hamlin, TX, hair follicle testing is not only fast but also affordable. Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times provide excellent value, ensuring that companies of all sizes can access thorough drug testing without financial strain. This commitment to cost-effective solutions underscores our dedication to serving the diverse needs of our clients efficiently.
The precision of hair follicle drug testing in Hamlin, TX is unmatched. It accurately identifies substance use, offering results that employers and individuals can trust. With its rapid processing, hair testing quickly reveals drug use, providing timely information essential for decision-making.
Moreover, this test remains a reliable option due to its superior accuracy in comparison to other testing methods.
Employers in Hamlin, TX find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, which aids in compliance with stringent drug policies. Its ability to detect drug use over an extended period reduces legal complications and supports a secure work environment.
This methodology not only meets drug-free workplace requirements but also bolsters overall workplace safety and compliance.
