Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying substance and alcohol intake. Hair captures a history of these substances over the long-term by securing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can show a detection window for alcohol and drugs extending to roughly three months. It is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch section of nearly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, added tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, it is advised to gather 150mg of hair. Use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable volume of body hair is permissible. "Head hair" pertains only to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair forms (such as facial and axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a lab involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's systems. This involves confirming the sample’s proper seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening involves an initial swift assessment for drug presence. While Screening is an economical approach to discount drug use in the majority of cases, a positive outcome needs verification to be legal in court. Samples that test positive in Screening require follow-up confirmation.
When a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and prepped for Extraction. At this point, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration relative to other testing types (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing a highly intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is inspected under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Iola, TX: Hair tests provide superior detection compared to traditional urine tests, excelling in delivering accurate and reliable results that protect both employers and employees.
Advantages: The detailed analysis that hair testing offers surpasses the limitations of urine tests, particularly in its capacity to detect long-term substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Iola, TX: Hair follicle tests offer an impressive detection period of up to 90 days, enabling employers to thoroughly understand an applicant's or employee's drug use history.
Comprehensive Insight: The expansive detection window provides an unparalleled overview of substance history, crucial for making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Iola, TX: Hair follicle tests greatly minimize the possibility of sample tampering, ensuring results are accurate and trustworthy.
Secure and Reliable: The nature of hair tests makes them highly resistant to alteration, offering a dependable testing option for sensitive scenarios.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Iola, TX: Our network of nationwide testing facilities guarantees straightforward access to testing services, ensuring they are quick, effortless, and hassle-free.
Accessibility: With centers conveniently located, arranging a test near Iola has never been more accessible, benefiting both residents and employers.
Simple, Confidential Process in Iola, TX: Our drug testing process is straightforward and confidential, assuring users that their privacy is preserved throughout ordering, testing, and receiving results.
Peace of Mind: The uncomplicated nature of our process ensures ease of use, making it accessible to individuals and businesses alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Iola, TX: Competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times characterize our services, providing excellent value and peace of mind for all company sizes.
Value and Efficiency: By offering cost-effective solutions without compromising speed, we meet the demands of both individual and corporate clients.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Iola, TX: Hair follicle testing is renowned for its swift and precise results. Its high accuracy in detecting drug use ensures reliable outcomes, giving peace of mind to both employers and individuals.
Efficiency: The process is streamlined to deliver prompt results without sacrificing accuracy, making it ideal for those needing quick and reliable testing solutions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Iola, TX: Utilizing hair testing aids in upholding workplace drug policies, mitigating legal risks, and ensuring a safe working environment.
Enhanced Safety: By adhering to stringent testing standards, employers can maintain a drug-free workplace, fostering a secure atmosphere.
