Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair captures a long-term record of substances by incorporating biomarkers within the fibrous structure of the hair strand as it grows. When cut near the scalp, hair can provide a detection timeline of up to around three months for alcohol and various drugs. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and conveniently shipped.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches from about 200 strands (approximate thickness of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp is necessary to achieve 100mg of hair, ideal for testing and verification. For EtG, additional options, or screenings over 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the specimen is advised. Where scalp hair is unavailable, an equal sample of body hair can suffice. When referencing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab comprises four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial inclusion of a sample into the laboratory system. This includes confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and inputting any other data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening refers to a quick preliminary test for drugs. Though Screening is an economical method for ruling out drug use in most instances, a positive screen must be confirmed to hold up in court. Any samples with potential positive results in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
For presumptive positives identified in the Screening stage, additional hair is retrieved from the primary sample for the Extraction phase. In this step, the elimination of drugs from hair is pursued at much lower concentrations than with other testing measures (such as urine or oral fluids), which is why hair drug testing is notably challenging to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive findings is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples marked presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation as required. The lab process, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is assessed in compliance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests," such tests evaluate the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Idalou, TX, hair follicle tests stand out against urine tests for their superior substance detection and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer a broader detection window, spotting drug use up to 90 days prior.
The meticulous detection process employed by hair testing enhances accuracy. Furthermore, the challenge of tampering with hair samples is significantly higher, assuring employers of reliable data.
Hair follicle testing provides a longer detection period in Idalou, TX, capturing up to 90 days of drug use history. This extended window offers a comprehensive look into an applicant or employee’s past use.
This makes hair testing invaluable for employers seeking thorough assessments of potential hires, ensuring candidates meet the organization's drug policy standards well before joining.
In Idalou, TX, hair follicle tests are highly tamper-resistant, significantly lowering the possibility of sample manipulation. This is a critical aspect for employers who require trustworthy and unalterable results.
Compared to other testing methods, the complexity of attempting to alter a hair sample makes it a highly secure choice. Employers can rely on its accuracy and integrity.
In Idalou, TX, the convenience of widespread testing locations simplifies the drug testing process. Our centers nationwide ensure quick and accessible services, minimizing delays in acquiring essential test results.
This ease of access guarantees that individuals and businesses alike can efficiently engage with hair follicle testing services, without geographical hindrances.
Our testing process in Idalou, TX is designed for simplicity and confidentiality, from order to result delivery. Clients can trust in a straightforward procedure that prioritizes privacy at each stage.
The importance of a seamless, confidential process is critical, especially when addressing sensitive issues such as substance use. We ensure a dignified experience throughout.
In Idalou, TX, our hair follicle testing service provides cost-effective solutions along with fast results, catering to businesses of varying sizes. Competitive pricing ensures that enterprises receive excellent value for their investment.
The rapid turnaround time means results are provided quickly, offering peace of mind and aiding swift decision-making processes for organizations.
In Idalou, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer rapid, precise, and reliable outcomes, thanks to their meticulous detection capabilities. The process is engineered for rapid completion without sacrificing accuracy, making it a preferred choice.
The confidence in results stems from the high precision levels achieved through state-of-the-art technology employed in hair analysis. This ensures that substance use is identified quickly and accurately, facilitating timely decision-making for employers.
Employers in Idalou, TX benefit from hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. By adopting this method, organizations ensure policy compliance and mitigate legal challenges associated with drug use.
Moreover, this testing process supports a safer work environment, fostering peace of mind with reliable results that enhance workplace safety.
