Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has established itself as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol use for a duration of nearly three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches in length, consisting of roughly 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken nearest the scalp, yields about 100mg, which is optimal for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, it is advised to collect 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a comparable amount of body hair may be used. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair only. Meanwhile, body hair encompasses all other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of drug test results comprises four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step ensures the sample remains sealed and properly dispatched, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes additional data entry not already handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for illicit substances. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to rule out drug presence in most samples, a positive result in Screening necessitates further confirmation to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples that are initially positive during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair in significantly lower concentrations than in other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis a challenging process to undertake.
Confirmation for any positive result in Screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the scalp's hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing in Heckville, TX, outshines urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional methods, hair testing provides a robust analysis of substance use.
While urine tests are limited in detection, hair tests cover a broader timeframe, offering an in-depth view of an individual's drug history that urine tests simply cannot match.
Hair follicle testing in Heckville, TX, stands out for its extended detection window. Its ability to reveal drug use for up to 90 days offers employers an extensive profile of an individual's substance history.
This longer detection period enables organizations to make informed decisions by providing a complete overview of a person’s habits rather than a fleeting snapshot.
In Heckville, TX, hair follicle tests provide a tamper-resistant method of drug testing. The risk of sample adulteration, a common concern with urine tests, is significantly reduced with hair samples.
These tests deliver unquestionable results by analyzing samples that are difficult to alter, ensuring accurate and reliable outcomes for individuals and organizations alike.
With our vast network of testing centers, accessing hair follicle testing in Heckville, TX, is hassle-free. Our nationwide presence ensures fast and easy service whether you're in a bustling city or a rural area.
Local facilities provide convenience, expanding the reach for individuals seeking prompt testing services without the stress of traveling long distances.
The hair follicle testing process in Heckville, TX, is simple and confidential, catering to any privacy concerns. Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are streamlined for user-friendliness.
Our process ensures confidentiality, allowing clients peace of mind knowing that their information is securely handled throughout every stage of testing.
In Heckville, TX, Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing for hair testing with fast turnaround times. Our affordable options provide excellent value for companies regardless of size.
Organizations benefit from cost-effective pricing while receiving swift results, ensuring they maintain operational efficiency without financial strain.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Heckville, TX, are unmatched, providing high accuracy in detecting substance use. Their reliability is rooted in the detailed analysis they offer, distinguishing them from other testing formats.
By leveraging advanced laboratory techniques, these tests can quickly process and return results, ensuring that individuals and organizations receive timely and accurate information on drug usage.
Employers in Heckville, TX, gain compliance and peace of mind using hair follicle testing. This method assures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks and enhancing safety.
By implementing such reliable testing, companies can confidently maintain their standards, ensuring employee well-being and organizational integrity.
