Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged historical record of alcohol and drug use by incorporating biomarkers into its developing strands. Obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of nearly three months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, challenging to contaminate, and simple to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches, gathered from around 200 hair strands (matching the size of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. In referencing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key stages in the laboratory analysis of drug test outcomes: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the primary handling of a specimen within a laboratory system. This process includes confirming that the specimen was correctly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry lacking an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift assessment for misuse of drugs. Although Screening is cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples presumed positive during Screening need secondary verification.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, extracting drugs from hair occurs at significantly lower concentrations than other approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screen outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing before confirmation when necessary. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the actual examination targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hawkins, TX
Hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine tests by capturing a 90-day drug use history, while urine tests typically detect drugs up to only a few days. This extensive detection provides a more accurate picture of an individual's habits.
The reliability and tamper-proof nature of hair tests further ensure consistent and credible results, unlike urine tests that are more susceptible to adulteration.
Extended Detection Window in Hawkins, TX
Unlike other drug testing methods, hair follicle tests unveil drug use for up to 90 days, offering employers a broader understanding of substance habits.
This extended period aids in measuring an applicant’s or employee’s long-term substance behavior, proving crucial for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hawkins, TX
Hair follicle tests stand out due to their reduced risk of adulteration, ensuring dependable, unquestionable results.
Because tampering with hair samples is extremely challenging, the results are more credible than those from urine tests, which can be manipulated more easily.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hawkins, TX
Our nationwide network of testing centers guarantees effortless access to drug testing services.
Hawkins, TX, enjoys quick, hassle-free options for hair follicle tests, ensuring you meet testing needs efficiently and seamlessly across various locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hawkins, TX
Our easy-to-follow testing process ensures confidentiality, from ordering tests to receiving results, striking a balance between simplicity and privacy for all clients.
This discreet approach alleviates concerns about privacy while maintaining efficiency throughout the testing experience in Hawkins.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hawkins, TX
With competitive pricing and fast results, our hair follicle testing offers great value. Our approach is cost-effective for businesses of any size.
We focus on economic efficiency paired with a quick turnaround, ensuring that you receive substantial benefits alongside prompt service delivery.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hawkins, TX
Hair follicle drug tests provide highly precise and rapid results. Within days, results are returned, offering dependable insights into substance use. Such tests boast remarkable accuracy, ensuring confidence when evaluating drug use.
Swift processing of hair samples yields results without sacrificing reliability or precision. This efficiency suits both employers and individuals aiming for prompt evaluations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hawkins, TX
Employers benefit from hair follicle testing through reinforced compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal liabilities, safeguarding business operations.
By choosing hair tests, employers enhance safety standards while maintaining peace of mind knowing their approach minimizes substance misuse risks.
