Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and substances. Collection of hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transport.
A 1.5-inch sample with approximately 200 hairs (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, the ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, and test panels exceeding 10, a 150mg specimen is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be taken. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of processing a sample within a lab’s framework. It includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift preliminary checking for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug presence in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening require an additional confirmation step.
If a sample tests preliminarily positive in Screening, more hair is taken from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are drawn out from hair at a significantly lower concentration than seen in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positivity are washed before confirmation as necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle tests in Houston, TX, outshine traditional urine testing due to superior detection capabilities. Comparing benefits, hair tests offer longer detection windows and increased reliability, avoiding common urine test pitfalls.
In Houston, TX, hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering a detailed overview of substance use history. Comprehensive evaluations are possible, making it an excellent choice for employers who require a deeper insight into an individual's drug use.
Hair follicle testing in Houston, TX, is a tamper-resistant method that greatly reduces sample adulteration risks. Security in testing ensures that results are trustworthy and indisputable.
Convenience is paramount with Accredited Drug Testing's numerous testing facilities across Houston, TX, and nationwide. Accessible centers simplify the process, ensuring easy access to essential testing services.
The process for hair follicle testing in Houston, TX, is simple and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. Ease of use is ensured throughout from ordering to receiving results.
Houston, TX, businesses benefit from Accredited Drug Testing's affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle testing. Competitive pricing structures ensure value, while quick result times provide a trusted option for companies of any size.
In Houston, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed, delivering quick and accurate results. Substance detection through hair analysis provides high accuracy, making it an ideal choice for reliable drug testing.
Employers in Houston, TX, can achieve peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies. Reducing legal risks is a key benefit, as such testing supports adherence to workplace regulations.
