Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a prolonged history of substance usage by capturing biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal up to approximately a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length consisting of about 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additions, and/or panels over 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It's recommended to measure the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core steps involved in processing a drug test in the laboratory are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of logging a sample into the laboratory system. Steps include verifying the seal and shipment of the sample, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any missing information not covered by an electronic custody chain.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While this is an economical way to discount drug use in the majority of cases, any positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal situations. Any specimens that show a presumption of positivity in Screening must undergo a secondary verification.
If a specimen shows a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are removed from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in urine or oral fluid, making hair drug analysis the most challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples showing presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected both under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why choose hair follicle testing over urine tests in Highlands, TX? The answer lies in its unrivaled detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis is less susceptible to tampering, offering trustworthy results.
With an extended detection window of up to 90 days, hair tests provide a comprehensive review of a person's substance usage, surpassing the 1-3 days typical of urine tests. Such accuracy is invaluable for employers and law enforcement agencies, ensuring a safer, drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window: In Highlands, TX, hair follicle testing outshines other methods by offering a lengthy period for detecting drug use—up to 90 days. This extended window is beneficial for employers seeking to gain insight into long-term substance habits of potential or current employees.
In contrast to traditional methods that limit detection to days, hair testing provides a historical overview of drug utilization. This thorough approach helps in making informed decisions about staffing and workplace safety.
Highlands, TX enjoys a testing method that's notably tamper-resistant: hair follicle testing. Hair samples are hard to adulterate, thus ensuring the reliability of test outcomes. Unlike some other testing methods, attempting to falsify results is exceptionally challenging.
The inherent nature of collecting hair makes tampering nearly impossible, offering peace of mind to those requiring accurate drug use verification. Hair testing's reliability safeguards against deception, maintaining the integrity of drug analysis.
In Highlands, TX, having access to convenient testing locations across the nation offers tremendous benefits. Our centers are strategically placed for fast, seamless service, ensuring you can obtain the tests you need without hassle.
Both nationwide and locally, our testing sites are designed for easy access, reducing travel time and streamlining the entire process. This convenience ensures testing remains a straightforward and stress-free endeavor, supporting your needs efficiently.
In Highlands, TX, the simplicity of our hair follicle testing processes is unmatched. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results is straightforward and confidential, safeguarding individual privacy at each step.
This streamlined procedure addresses privacy concerns and ease of use, making it accessible to everyone needing accurate testing outcomes.
Our commitment to confidentiality ensures all data handled is secure, offering peace of mind with each test conducted.
Highlands, TX benefits from our commitment to affordable pricing without compromising the quality of test results. Our cost-effective structure ensures that companies of all sizes can access top-tier drug testing services.
With fast turnaround times, you'll receive quick and accurate results, reinforcing your business decisions and maintaining organizational safety. Balancing cost with speed and reliability gives our clients unparalleled value and assurance.
In Highlands, TX, hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with speed and precision. Fast and reliable results make it a preferred choice for those seeking accurate substance use detection. The meticulous nature of these tests ensures that every detail is captured, providing a snapshot of an individual's drug use history.
High accuracy is a hallmark of hair follicle testing. Collecting a small hair sample can reveal a wealth of information on substance use, offering insights that routine tests might miss. The ability to deliver quick results without sacrificing accuracy makes it a leading method in the testing industry.
For employers in Highlands, TX, compliance with drug-free workplace policies is crucial. Hair follicle testing offers a solution that ensures adherence, thus curbing potential legal issues. Its detailed detection is pivotal for establishing a safe work environment.
Implementing these tests can significantly enhance workplace safety by identifying substance abuse early and effectively. Touting near-immunity to tampering, they provide employers with peace of mind with their trustworthy results.
