Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers within hair strands capture biomarkers, offering a comprehensive history of substance use. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug presence for up to three months. It is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp results in 100mg of hair, the perfect amount for analysis and verification. For EtG or extensive tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended to weigh the sample. Where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" strictly indicates scalp hair, whereas "body hair" includes all other hair forms (e.g., facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test in a lab encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the phase where a sample initially enters a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and records any remaining data absent from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening carries out a preliminary assessment for abused substances. Although screening economically dismisses drug presence in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for court acceptability. Samples flagged as likely positive in screening need further verification.
In instances of presumed positivity during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. This stage involves separating drugs from the hair at relatively minimal levels compared to other methods (such as urine or saliva), hence hair drug testing is notably intricate.
Positive screens are verified through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary presumptive samples undergo cleaning before verification. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire lab operation is assessed against CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often mentioned as "hair follicle tests," the procedure examines the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Hurst, TX The advantages of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Hurst are significant. Hair tests boast unparalleled accuracy and a longer detection window compared to urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Hurst, TX Hair follicle testing offers a remarkable detection window of up to 90 days, which far surpasses that of urine tests. This extensive period allows employers in Hurst, TX, to gain valuable insight into an individual’s drug use history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Hurst, TX Hair follicle testing significantly diminishes the chance of sample tampering, providing accurate results ideal for both legal and employment purposes in Hurst, TX. Unlike other methods, the integrity of hair tests remains intact, ensuring reliable data.
This is crucial when reliability and authenticity are key, offering peace for employers and authorities.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Hurst, TX Our widespread network of testing centers provides expedited access to essential testing services for residents and businesses in Hurst, TX. Whether local or national, we're positioned to deliver efficient and convenient testing solutions.
Offering hassle-free appointments and seamless service across numerous locations.
Simple, Confidential Process in Hurst, TX Experience a simple and confidential drug testing process in Hurst, TX, from order to results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Hurst, TX We provide cost-effective drug testing solutions in Hurst, TX, coupled with rapid turnaround times.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Hurst, TX Hair follicle drug tests in Hurst, TX, stand out for their exceptional precision and swiftness in detecting substance use. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests provide high accuracy, ensuring that individuals with recent consumption are correctly identified.
The speed at which results are delivered enhances the decision-making process, ensuring efficient and informed actions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Hurst, TX Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies, helping employers in Hurst, TX, to mitigate legal risks. This method promotes workplace safety, delivering peace of mind that policies are upheld diligently.