Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for uncovering alcohol and drug use. It offers an extended historical record of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can present approximately a 3-month timeframe for alcohol and drug detection. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of about 200 hair fibers (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp equates to 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both initial screening and subsequent confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale is suggested for specimen measurement. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. In context, head hair strictly refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other forms (such as facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within the laboratory framework. This process includes ensuring the sample's seal integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening represents a preliminary examination for substances of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient way to eliminate drug usage in the bulk of samples, any positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Presumptive positives from the Screening phase require further validation.
In cases of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this stage, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome is accomplished using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Any samples flagged as presumptive positives undergo washing as needed before confirmation. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is conducted under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing triumphs over traditional urine tests in Key, TX due to its superior detection accuracy and reliability.
It offers extensive detection period advantages over urine tests, making it a preferred choice for many organizations.
Providing up to a 90-day detection window, hair follicle tests in Key, TX give employers a detailed understanding of substance use history.
This extended detection timeline allows for a more comprehensive assessment of an individual's drug use profile.
Hair follicle testing reduces sample adulteration risks in Key, TX, assuring reliable, unquestionable results.
The method's tamper-resistant nature adds confidence to the integrity of the drug testing process.
Nationwide testing centers, including those in Key, TX, offer convenience with quick, hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services.
Our widespread locations ensure testing is both practical and efficient for all.
In Key, TX, the process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential.
Clients appreciate the simplicity and privacy the process ensures, elevating user experience.
Competitive pricing and fast result turnaround make hair follicle testing in Key, TX an excellent value for companies.
Cost-effective options and quick services provide peace of mind for businesses of any size.
In Key, TX, hair follicle tests are renowned for their rapid and precise results, providing high accuracy in substance detection.
Employers benefit from this testing as it delivers fast, reliable answers, ensuring informed decisions about employee substance use.
Employers in Key, TX gain peace of mind and compliance with workplace drug-free policies through hair follicle testing.
It aids in minimizing legal risks while boosting workplace safety measures.
