Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol intake. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and narcotics by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken nearby the scalp, it can reflect up to roughly a 90-day period of substance detection. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to send.
An ideal 1.5-inch portion consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (akin to a #2 pencil's width) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, optimal for both screening and validation. For EtG, add-on tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the hair is advised. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested for weighing. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (face, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in lab processing for drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of registering a sample in the lab's database. This step confirms the integrity of the sample's sealing and shipment, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry that isn't provided through an electronic chain of custody.
In the Screening phase, a fast initial assessment for illegal substances is performed. Though economical in eliminating drug use in most cases, any positive findings need validation before legal admissibility. Thus, samples that test presumptive positive require additional confirmation.
For samples flagged as presumptive positive in Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, substances are drawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing the most intricate approach available.
Validation of any positive screening outcome is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples testing presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated according to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", this analysis evaluates the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hunt, TX
The ability of hair testing to reveal a more complete drug use picture contrasts sharply with the limitations posed by traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Hunt, TX
By utilizing hair testing, businesses can gain insights into an individual’s drug use patterns over three months, a scope unmatched by alternate methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hunt, TX
Choosing this test type ensures tampering remains a non-issue, providing peace of mind in its accuracy and legitimacy.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hunt, TX
Our expansive network makes obtaining drug testing services simple and straightforward.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hunt, TX
Our approach to hair follicle testing respects privacy at every phase, from scheduling a test to receiving results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hunt, TX
Our services combine affordability with efficiency, providing peace of mind without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hunt, TX
Many have turned to hair testing due to its consistent accuracy and speedy results, making it the preferred choice for detecting prolonged and intermittent substance use.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hunt, TX
Employers invested in employee safety find reassurance in hair testing’s role in upholding strict drug use regulations.
