Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers within its fibers, offering a prolonged record of substance use. When collected near the scalp, hair can detect drugs and alcohol for roughly a three-month period. The collection process for hair is straightforward, with minimal likelihood of tampering, and it can be conveniently shipped.
A 1.5-inch sample, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, suitable for both screening and confirmation. For EtG evaluations, additional testing, or panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equal quantity of body hair might be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses other types like facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory analysis of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step in which a sample is initially processed within a lab's system. This process includes ensuring the sample is sealed and transported correctly, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry that wasn't captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for potential drug abuse. While cost-effective for ruling out drug usage in numerous samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be legally admissible. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. Drugs are then extracted from the hair, at lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is a challenging process.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples testing positive are cleaned before Confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, falls under review by both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Leads in Hays, TX is clear. It provides more reliable detection than the common urine tests.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing in Hays, TX offers a superior level of precision and reliability. Ensure accuracy with hair drug analysis.
Hays, TX employers benefit from the extended detection period of hair follicle testing. This method provides insights into substance use spanning up to 90 days.
With ability to trace back up to 3 months, hair follicle testing in Hays, TX provides a detailed record of an individual's drug use, unmatched by shorter-term tests.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Hays, TX drastically diminishes tampering opportunities. This method guarantees the integrity of results.
This test provides confidence through its robust tamper-resistant nature, offering unquestioned reliability in results to employers in Hays, TX.
In Hays, TX, testing becomes convenient with our national network of centers. Easy access to testing services.
Testing in Hays, TX is hassle-free due to numerous testing sites, ensuring easy and convenient access to drug testing across the region.
Experience a straightforward and confidential drug testing process in Hays, TX. The steps from booking to results delivery are simplified.
Confidentiality is guaranteed, making the drug testing process both simple and respectful of privacy in Hays, TX.
Offering competitive rates and prompt results in Hays, TX, our hair follicle testing provides value for companies of all sizes.
The hair follicle testing in Hays, TX is priced to suit varied budgets while ensuring speed and efficiency are maintained, making it highly economical.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug analysis in Hays, TX, are unmatched. High accuracy in detecting substance use ensures swift and reliable results.
Employers in Hays, TX can trust the fast and precise outcomes of hair tests. The high reliability of these tests ensures accurate detection, making them a top choice.
Adopting hair follicle tests in Hays, TX brings employers peace through regulatory compliance. Ensuring a drug-free workplace enhances safety.
Strict adherence to drug policies through hair testing assures compliance, reducing liabilities, and boosting workplace safety and trust in Hays, TX.