Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has been recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol intake. By embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair, hair provides an extended history of substance use. When hair is harvested near the scalp, it can offer a detection period of up to about three months for substances like alcohol and drugs. The process for collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the desired amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or analysis beyond ten panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. It's advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be gathered. The term "head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The main stages involved in laboratory analysis of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample enters the laboratory’s system. This process verifies proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data input that the electronic chain of custody system might not cover.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is cost-effective in excluding drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples that produce a presumptive positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. This step involves withdrawing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation for any positive result from screening is carried out with GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that yield a presumptive positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is subject to scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly called "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Ingram, TX, offers numerous benefits over traditional urine testing. The ability to detect substance use over an extended period ensures that employers and organizations can confidently rely on these results for a true representation of an individual’s history. This method also provides superior accuracy and reliability.
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in Ingram, TX, is its extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This gives employers a valuable insight into the long-term substance habits of candidates or employees, offering a more comprehensive view than other testing methods.
Hair follicle drug testing in Ingram, TX, is a robust method to protect against tampering or adulteration. The nature of hair tests significantly diminishes the chances of sample manipulation, ensuring outcomes are credible and dependable. These tests are designed to deliver authoritative results, making them particularly trustworthy.
With testing centers nationwide and local availability in Ingram, TX, accessing our drug testing services is simple and hassle-free. The extensive network ensures prompt assistance wherever one resides, providing the convenience of reliable and easily accessible testing services across multiple locations.
The hair follicle testing process in Ingram, TX, is designed for ease and confidentiality. From ordering and administered testing to receiving results, the steps are straightforward, ensuring the privacy of participants is prioritized. This simplicity appeals to all, providing peace of mind during the entire process.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround, our hair follicle testing services in Ingram, TX, are tailored to provide excellent value. These services cater to businesses of all sizes, guaranteeing an exceptional balance of affordability and efficiency in delivering rapid, reliable results.
The precision and quick results offered by hair follicle drug tests in Ingram, TX, set this method apart from others. These tests are known for their impeccable accuracy, efficiently identifying substance use with minimal error margin. For those prioritizing fast, reliable, and accurate drug testing, choosing hair analysis is a superior choice.
Employers in Ingram, TX, gain peace of mind with hair follicle testing, knowing their drug-free policies are upheld without legal uncertainties. By adopting this secure testing method, companies benefit from a safer workplace environment, maintained safety standards, and reduced potential legal conflicts.
