Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives long-term data of alcohol and other substances by sequestering biomarkers within its growing fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 strands of hair (around the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, the preferred sample for evaluation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg is advised. It is best to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If head hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. 'Head hair' denotes scalp hair exclusively. 'Body hair' encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample has been sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not supported by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to dismiss drug presence in most samples, a positive result must be validated to stand in court. Any samples registering presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
When a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are sourced from hair at much lower levels compared to other approaches (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex to execute.
Positive screening outcomes are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples noted as presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The full lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Shortcomings:
Note: While commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
In Jarrell, TX, hair follicle testing stands out as a superior alternative to urine testing. Detection accuracy is considerably enhanced, and it offers a more comprehensive and reliable insight into drug use patterns over time.
While traditional urine tests reveal recent drug use, hair follicle tests provide a more extensive view, ensuring employers receive accurate results.
With hair follicle tests, Jarrell, TX employers gain access to a detailed account of drug use spanning up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers a more holistic assessment of an applicant or employee's history with substances.
This method’s ability to uncover drug use from a broader timeline grants companies an invaluable perspective when making informed decisions.
Hair follicle testing has gained attention in Jarrell, TX, for its resistance to tampering, offering results that are difficult to question. This reduces the chances of sample adulteration, delivering trustworthy outcomes consistently.
By choosing this method, individuals and organizations benefit from process integrity, supporting just results in drug testing practices.
The presence of nationwide testing centers ensures Jarrell, TX residents and companies enjoy seamless access to drug testing services. The convenience of having local facilities available means fast and hassle-free service.
With multiple locations, testing becomes easier, allowing timely and efficient assessments whenever necessary.
In Jarrell, TX, the hair follicle drug testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to collecting samples and receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness.
This simplicity ensures individuals feel comfortable and informed, addressing common concerns associated with drug testing procedures.
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle tests in Jarrell, TX are an affordable choice for businesses of all sizes. Not only do they boast fast turnaround times, but they also deliver tremendous value to employers looking for reliable testing solutions.
Companies benefit from budget-friendly options without compromising on the quality or accuracy of results.
Hair follicle drug tests in Jarrell, TX, are both quick and precise, offering unmatched accuracy in detecting substance use. This testing method's reliability ensures that all results obtained are both fast and accurate, benefiting both employers and individuals seeking clarity on substance exposure.
The speed at which hair follicle tests deliver results is a major benefit, allowing decisions to be made promptly based on the most dependable information available.
Employers in Jarrell, TX, turn to hair follicle testing for ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This choice reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace security, providing peace of mind for both management and employees.
Hair testing, as part of a zero-tolerance strategy, promotes a safer and more productive environment.