Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely regarded as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by trapping biomarkers within the hair's growing fibers. When sampled near the scalp, hair offers up to an approximately 3-month detection window for alcohol and drug use. It's straightforward to gather, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch tuft of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will supply 100mg of hair, the optimal specimen for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for measuring the sample. If scalp hair is absent, a similar amount of body hair can be taken. When discussing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The primary phases in the lab evaluation of a drug test result involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary processing of a sample within the laboratory system. This process includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not available through an electronic chain of custody.
Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substances of misuse. Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug presence in most samples; however, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are potentially positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample be potentially positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are isolated from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potential positive samples are cleansed beforehand as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and follows ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often called "hair follicle tests", the test scrutinizes the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing, hair follicle analysis is a superior choice compared to urine tests, especially in Hockley, TX. Hair tests provide more accurate and reliable data, making them ideal for those who seek comprehensive and trustworthy results for drug detection.
For those in Hockley, TX, hair follicle testing offers a longer detection window, covering up to 90 days. This extended period provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history, giving them confidence in their hiring and retention decisions.
In Hockley, TX, hair follicle testing is a trusted method that significantly diminishes the possibility of sample tampering. This approach ensures that the results are dependable and cannot be questioned, making it a robust choice for drug testing requirements.
Thanks to our extensive network of testing centers, both nationwide and locally in Hockley, TX, accessing drug testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. This convenience ensures that you can receive testing services quickly and easily.
Our testing process is simple and confidential, ensuring that residents in Hockley, TX experience a seamless process. From ordering to receiving results, privacy is maintained, answering any concerns about confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Hockley, TX clients benefit from our affordable pricing and swift turnaround times. This combination offers excellent value, allowing businesses of all sizes to take advantage of our cost-effective and efficient services with total peace of mind.
Hair follicle testing in Hockley, TX offers rapid and precise results. This method is highly accurate in detecting drug use, offering fast verification with excellent reliability. Such accuracy ensures that substances are correctly identified, supporting high standards in testing outcomes.
Employing hair follicle testing in the workplace in Hockley, TX ensures compliance and peace of mind. By adhering to drug-free policies, employers can reduce legal risks and improve safety, promoting a healthier work environment.
