Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extended overview of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields approximately 100mg, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended tests, and analyses beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be provided, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. The term "head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any additional data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. It is a cost-efficient way to negate drug use in most samples; however, a positive screening necessitates confirmation for legal acceptance. Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening must undergo further confirmation.
If a sample is indicated as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at a far lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most complex methodology to conduct.
Any positive screening result undergoes Confirmation through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Samples identified as presumptive positives are cleaned before confirmation, if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is upheld under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Advantages of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Testing in Hedley, TX
Hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine tests with superior detection capabilities.
Extended Insight with Hair Follicle Testing in Hedley, TX
Lifting the veil on extended drug history, hair follicle testing offers a comprehensive view.
Ensuring Integrity with Tamper-Resistant Hair Tests in Hedley, TX
Hair follicle testing's resistance to compromise ensures more credible results.
Nationwide and Local Testing Ease in Hedley, TX
With our expansive network, testing convenience is unmatched.
Smooth and Confidential Testing Process in Hedley, TX
Our hair follicle testing procedure prioritizes simplicity and discretion.
Competitive Pricing and Prompt Service in Hedley, TX
Offering great value, our pricing ensures affordability without compromise.
The Precision and Speed of Hair Follicle Tests in Hedley, TX
Hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed in identifying substance use.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Hedley, TX
Hair follicle testing aids employers in upholding drug-free policies seamlessly.