Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now recognized as an effective method for detecting substance and alcohol usage. The hair captures a lasting record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers as they grow. Proximity to the scalp during collection allows hair to offer almost a three-month span of detection for both alcohol and other substances. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering and ease of transport.
Acquiring a sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches and comprising around 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) directly from the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both initial screening and follow-up confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's beneficial to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler's scale. In instances where scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent volume of body hair may be substituted. It's important to note that references to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing involved in analyzing a drug test result incorporates four critical stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab's processing system. This step includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any outstanding data fields not addressed in a digital chain of custody protocol.
Screening functions as a preliminary, rapid assessment for illicit substances. Although it's an economical method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive finding here necessitates a confirmatory test to uphold legal scrutiny. Any samples showing initial positive results in this phase must undergo further verification.
In cases of preliminary positive results during Screening, additional hair from the original batch is used for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva testing), highlighting the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Final Confirmation of positive screenings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All initially positive samples are cleaned before final confirmation, as the process demands. The complete procedural chain, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strands and not on the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hico, TX: Hair testing stands out due to its superior detection capabilities.
Extended Detection Window in Hico, TX: Hair tests are unique in providing a review of drug use over an extended duration.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hico, TX: The integrity of hair follicle tests lies in their resistance to tampering.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hico, TX: Our widespread centers make testing accessible.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hico, TX: Experience uncomplicated and discreet testing procedures.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hico, TX: Competitive rates complement our swift services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hico, TX: Hair follicle drug testing is embraced for its precision in recording drug use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hico, TX: Aiding in adherence to drug-free workplace policies, hair testing is invaluable.
