Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has emerged as a highly effective approach for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an enduring record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When procured near the scalp, hair can demonstrate an approximately 3-month period for detecting alcohol and substances. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to alteration, and simple to transport.
An ideal hair sample for testing, measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is recommended. It's advisable to measure the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair may be obtained. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair, while body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in laboratory processing of drug testing results encompass Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial integration of a sample into a laboratory system. This comprises verifying that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is conducted as a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive screen necessitates confirmation for courtroom admissibility. Samples presumed positive during Screening do require a secondary affirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and set for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which accounts for the complexity of hair drug testing procedures.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure itself examines the hair strand instead of the follicle underneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hudson, TX
Comparing the benefits of hair testing to urine tests, it's evident that hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. The detection window for substances in hair tests is significantly wider, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's drug use history and proving more effective than traditional urine analysis.
Extended Detection Window in Hudson, TX
Hair follicle testing provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering employers in Hudson, TX a thorough examination of an employee's or applicant's substance history. This extended period allows for a more detailed understanding of past drug use, exceeding the capabilities of traditional testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hudson, TX
In Hudson, TX, hair follicle testing greatly reduces the chances of sample adulteration. This testing method offers reliable and unquestionable results, ensuring the integrity of the testing process. This significant reduction in the risk of tampering makes hair follicle tests a preferred choice for dependable drug screening.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hudson, TX
Our nationwide testing networks ensure solutions are quick, simple, and accessible. With numerous testing centers across the country along with dedicated local sites in Hudson, TX, accessing testing services is hassle-free and efficient for everyone.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hudson, TX
In Hudson, TX, the process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is both simple and confidential. By prioritizing user privacy and ease of use, the testing process eliminates concerns regarding personal data security, thereby ensuring a smooth testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hudson, TX
We offer competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Hudson, TX. Our services provide excellent value, allowing companies of all sizes to benefit from prompt results at affordable costs, ensuring financial practicality alongside reliable testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hudson, TX
Hair follicle drug testing in Hudson, TX delivers swift and precise outcomes, ensuring high levels of accuracy in detecting substance use. The methodology used in hair follicle tests is not only comprehensive but also refined, enabling quick processing and reliable results. This provides organizations and individuals with confidence in the test outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hudson, TX
Employing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering safety in the Hudson, TX workplace. This testing method offers peace of mind for employers, as it reliably upholds policies crucial for maintaining a safe and lawful work environment.
