Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a valuable method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by incorporating biomarkers within its growing strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage over approximately a 3-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, surprisingly hard to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) from nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal amount for tests and confirmations. For tests involving EtG, additional panels above 10, 150mg is advised. It is a good practice to weigh the hair specimen using a jeweler's scale. In scenarios where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair is a viable option. Note, "head hair" refers strictly to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes types such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
Four fundamental steps are involved in processing drug test outcomes in a lab: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the preliminary handling of a sample within a lab's systems. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and includes any manual data entry required by a non-electronic chain of custody.
Screening constitutes an initial cursory inspection for common drugs of abuse. Though cost-efficient in excluding drug use for the majority of samples, a positive in Screening mandates further confirmation to be legally valid. Any samples testing positively through Screening thus necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original batch for the Extraction step. This phase involves removing drugs at low concentrations from the hair—an aspect distinguishing hair screening as the most challenging methodology in comparison to other methods such as urine or oral fluid testing.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All initial positive samples undergo a washing process before confirmation if needed. The full laboratory procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is subject to review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests," these procedures assess the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Choosing hair follicle testing over urine tests in Jubilee Springs, TX, brings numerous advantages. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy, reliably identifying substances over a longer timeframe compared to traditional urine tests. This improved precision makes them a trusted method for employers seeking comprehensive insights into drug use among employees or applicants, enhancing the reliability of drug testing efforts.
With the ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days, hair follicle tests in Jubilee Springs, TX, offer an extensive overview of an individual's substance history. This extended detection window provides employers with a valuable, in-depth perspective on an employee or candidate's past drug use, supporting informed decision-making and contributing to a safer workplace environment.
Hair follicle tests in Jubilee Springs, TX, significantly mitigate the risk of sample tampering. The test's design inherently reduces the potential for adulteration, ensuring that the results are trustworthy and difficult to dispute. This reliability makes hair testing an optimal choice for those seeking accurate and fair evaluations free from manipulation concerns.
With testing centers available nationwide, Jubilee Springs, TX, offers convenient locations for hair follicle drug tests. This network ensures swift and hassle-free access, making drug testing services accessible to all. The ease of finding a local center enhances the overall experience, providing individuals and businesses with efficient and convenient testing solutions.
In Jubilee Springs, TX, the hair follicle testing process is both seamless and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, each step is designed to maintain privacy and simplicity. This focus on ease of use ensures that individuals can confidently undergo testing without concerns about confidentiality, making the experience straightforward and private.
Jubilee Springs, TX, offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times for hair follicle drug tests. This affordability, paired with fast results, delivers excellent value to businesses, regardless of size. By combining cost-effectiveness with speed, the testing services provide both peace of mind and financial sense, catering to a wide range of company needs.
In Jubilee Springs, TX, hair follicle drug tests provide quick, reliable outcomes, delivering precise results. Known for their high accuracy, these tests consistently identify substance use, offering reassurance and dependability. In contrast to other methodologies, their sophisticated technology ensures that results are both swift and exact, meeting the demands of employers and individuals alike.
Employers in Jubilee Springs, TX, can rest assured knowing that hair follicle drug testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This secure testing method not only minimizes legal repercussions but also bolsters overall workplace safety. By adopting hair testing, companies can foster a culture of compliance and peace of mind, ensuring a productive and secure environment.
