Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. By encasing biomarkers within the fibers of a developing hair strand, hair offers an extended record of substance use. When sourced near the scalp, hair can deliver a detection period of up to around 3 months for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section containing roughly 200 strands of hair (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for testing. For EtG, additional screenings, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to determine the sample weight with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be lacking, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other forms (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory's framework. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and shipped, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any supplementary data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid assessment for illicit substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient approach to exclude drug usage for most samples, a confirmed positive screen is essential for legal admissibility. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample be deemed presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is obtained from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at much reduced concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), hence hair drug testing is notably challenging to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo a pre-confirmation wash as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Hudson Oaks, TX, hair follicle testing is superior to urine testing, especially in detecting substance use with greater accuracy and reliability.
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair tests showcase an extended detection window, enabling a broader overview of substance history. Employers benefit from the robust and precise information provided by hair analysis.
With an extended detection window, hair follicle tests in Hudson Oaks, TX, offer a comprehensive view of drug use over up to 90 days.
This extended window is invaluable for employers looking to understand an applicant or employee's long-term substance use, allowing for informed decision-making and ensuring workplace safety.
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the chance of sample tampering, providing Hudson Oaks, TX, with reliable and unquestionable results.
The test's design ensures integrity, as altering hair samples is notoriously difficult, thus making it the preferred method for those seeking trustworthy testing procedures.
Hudson Oaks, TX, enjoys the convenience of both local and nationwide testing centers by Accredited Drug Testing.
The widespread availability of testing sites ensures easy and hassle-free access, facilitating quick testing whenever required. This infrastructure prevents delays and helps maintain streamlined operations.
Hudson Oaks, TX, clients appreciate the simple and confidential process Accredited Drug Testing offers for hair follicle testing.
From ordering to receiving results, the process is straightforward and respectful of privacy, addressing any concerns while maintaining ease of use and efficiency.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing in Hudson Oaks, TX.
Our pricing structures are designed to provide excellent value, making it feasible for companies of different sizes to access high-quality and quick testing services, enhancing employer satisfaction.
In Hudson Oaks, TX, hair follicle drug tests are recognized for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests are advanced in identifying substance use, surpassing other methods in precision.
The rapid turnaround time ensures quick decisions, crucial for employers who value efficiency in their hiring processes. Hair testing is instrumental for those seeking dependable outcomes.
In Hudson Oaks, TX, hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, granting peace of mind and reducing legal risks.
Employers benefit tremendously by ensuring their environment remains safe, fostering a work culture centered on health and safety that aligns with best practices.
