Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands of hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair may offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and verification. For EtG enhancements or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise weighing the hair sample with a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, a matching quantity of body hair may be utilized. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Step-by-Step Process
There are four fundamental stages in processing drug test results in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the art of entering a sample into a lab's database. This step checks that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concludes any extra data entry not provided by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial quick test to detect drugs of misuse. While Screening effectively rules out drug use in most samples, a positive result needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that show presumptive positivity in Screening require a secondary validation.
When a sample is presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In Extraction, drugs are removed from hair at a much lower concentration than in alternative techniques (like urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is notably challenging.
Any positive result during Screening is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Challenges:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hempstead, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests by offering longer detection times and greater accuracy. While urine tests detect recent use, hair testing provides a more extensive view of an individual's drug history. Employers find hair tests more reliable, reducing the chance of manipulation and ensuring compliance with zero-tolerance policies. Hair testing is a trusted approach for courts and professionals.
Employers in Hempstead benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window. This method traces drug history up to 90 days, offering a thorough insight into substance use. While urine tests show recent consumption, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview, aiding in informed decision-making regarding employment and maintaining a safe workplace environment.
Hair follicle testing in Hempstead is renowned for its tamper-resistant nature. The process significantly minimizes the risk of sample adulteration, ensuring trustworthy results. With the sample collection under strict observation, the accuracy and validity of the test are preserved, making it a preferred choice for employers and legal entities seeking authentic outcomes.
Our nationwide and local testing facilities in Hempstead provide unmatched convenience. With easy access to numerous centers, employers and individuals can receive hassle-free and efficient drug testing services. This wide-reaching network ensures quick service wherever you are, enhancing the overall experience with our readily available testing centers.
The hair testing process in Hempstead emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward and discreet, addressing any privacy concerns participants might have. By ensuring ease of use, the process fosters trust and willingness among clients to engage in necessary drug testing with confidence in their privacy.
With competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, Hempstead-based hair follicle testing offers excellent value. Our efficient processes ensure results are delivered promptly, minimizing downtime and maximizing cost-effectiveness for companies of all sizes. This combination of affordability and speed provides companies peace of mind.
The impressive speed and accuracy of hair follicle tests in Hempstead are undeniable. This method guarantees precise results swiftly, ensuring substances are detected with high accuracy. It's an invaluable tool for those seeking assured reliability in detecting recent substance use. Faster and more efficient than older methods, hair testing stands at the forefront of drug screening technology.
In Hempstead, hair follicle testing contributes to compliance and peace of mind for employers. It helps reinforce drug-free policies, lowering legal risks and fostering safety within workplaces. By implementing such rigorous standards, employers create a supportive and compliant environment, promoting confidence in hiring decisions and policy enforcement.
