Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a long-standing record of alcohol and other drug usage by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window for alcohol and drugs for up to roughly 3 months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 strands of hair (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, ideal for screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar volume of body hair can be used. Head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial handling of a sample into a lab’s system. This process verifies that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Screening is an efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, but a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample is found to be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which adds complexity to hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is done via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the examination actually analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Beats Urine
In Helotes, TX, hair follicle testing outshines traditional urine assessments by offering impressive detection accuracy over extended periods. This approach gives a broader view of substance use, significantly enhancing reliability. The breadth and depth of drug history that hair testing uncovers simply surpasses the reach of urine tests.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Helotes, TX is designed to identify drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This extended detection capability offers employers an in-depth look into the substance use history of applicants or employees. The long window ensures a comprehensive view that surpasses shorter-term tests.
Tamper-Resistant Method
In Helotes, TX, hair follicle tests are recognized for greatly minimizing the possibility of sample tampering, resulting in trustworthy and incontrovertible findings. The methodology of the hair test inherently reduces risks of adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the results stands unquestioned.
Convenient Testing Locations
Helotes, TX residents gain easy access to our extensive network of nationwide testing centers. This vast reach means immediate, user-friendly access to testing services, eliminating the hassle and ensuring swift availability of necessary evaluations.
Simple and Confidential Process
Ensure an uncomplicated, private experience when ordering, submitting, and receiving results of hair follicle tests in Helotes, TX. The straightforward process guarantees discretion and ease, addressing any privacy concerns clients may have while securing their comfort.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Helotes, TX clients benefit from our competitive rates and rapid result processing, making drug testing a valuable and efficient choice for companies of all sizes. Our pricing and speed emphasize value without compromising on quality or pace.
Fast and Accurate Results
In Helotes, TX, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their speed and preciseness in detecting substances. This method provides high accuracy in uncovering substance use, ensuring speedy and reliable outcomes. Quick processing and clear results make hair tests an excellent choice for timely decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind
Employers in Helotes, TX benefit from hair follicle testing by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies, thus mitigating legal liabilities and boosting workplace safety. Utilizing this method aligns with compliance needs while reducing risks associated with illicit drug use in professional environments.
