Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers as they grow, offering a longitudinal record of drug and alcohol usage. Collected near the scalp, hair can potentially reveal drug and alcohol use over an approximately 90-day span. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 strands of hair (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) from near the scalp yields 100mg, which is optimal for initial and confirmatory testing. For EtG enhancements and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a hair drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the initial phase of incorporating a sample into the laboratory system. It includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipping, randomly assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry if not already provided through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails a preliminary inspection for substance abuse. While it serves as an economical method to negate drug usage in most samples, any positive screening must be corroborated for legal validity. Samples that show a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positive outcomes during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most complex methodology to perform.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques are employed to confirm any positive screening results. Samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation if required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Hideaway, TX
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing boasts enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. With its longer detection window and difficulty to manipulate, hair tests are preferred for thorough substance use analysis.
Extended Detection Window Benefits in Hideaway, TX
Hair follicle testing excels in detecting drug usage over an extensive period, up to 90 days. This provides employers with a comprehensive insight into an individual’s substance history, offering a thorough background for informed decisions.
Secure, Tamper-Proof Testing Method in Hideaway, TX
Hair follicle tests drastically minimize the risk of tampering, ensuring that test results remain reliable and indisputable. This leads to higher confidence in the authenticity of results compared to other methods.
Convenience of National and Local Testing Centers in Hideaway, TX
With a network of testing centers across the nation, including local availability, accessing testing services is quick, straightforward, and inconvenience-free, ensuring smooth operations for all involved parties.
Effortless, Confidential Testing Process in Hideaway, TX
The process of ordering, taking tests, and receiving results is designed to be both simple and confidential. We respect privacy while ensuring both ease of use and efficiency throughout the entire testing sequence.
Competitive Pricing and Swift Turnaround in Hideaway, TX
Our pricing structures are designed to be competitive, coupled with rapid result delivery, providing excellent value for businesses of every size. This ensures peace of mind while maintaining budgetary concerns.
Rapid, Precise, and Dependable Outcomes in Hideaway, TX
Hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched precision and speed, delivering fast results that accurately reveal substance use history. This method surpasses others with its high accuracy and reliability, making it ideal for employers requiring trustworthy examinations.
Ensuring Compliance and Employer Assurance in Hideaway, TX
The use of hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, lowers legal risks, and contributes to creating a safer workplace environment; providing peace of mind to employers in various sectors.
