Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective instrument in identifying drug and alcohol use. The hair captures a prolonged history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within its developing fibers. When hair is taken near the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to about three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It's recommended to weigh the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equal volume of body hair is an option. In the context of head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step where a sample is logged into the laboratory system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a speedy preliminary check for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage for most samples, any positive screen needs verification for legal admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than seen in other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is commonly used, though the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Compared to traditional urine testing, hair follicle analysis in Killeen, TX, proves superior. Hair tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability, identifying substance usage over a longer span. This ensures a comprehensive view of an individual's history, unlike urine testing which covers only recent activities, making hair testing a dependable choice.
One of the remarkable aspects of hair follicle testing in Killeen, TX, is its extended detection window. Up to 90 days of drug use history can be revealed, offering employers a comprehensive understanding of a current or potential employee's substance use, facilitating better employment decisions and a safer work environment.
The integrity of hair follicle testing in Killeen, TX, is impressive, thanks to its tamper-resistant nature. The structure and method of collecting hair samples substantially minimize the risk of sample adulteration, thereby ensuring results that instill confidence due to their reliability and accuracy, critical for maintaining trust.
With testing centers available nationwide, including in Killeen, TX, getting a hair follicle test is convenient and hassle-free. This expansive network guarantees easy and fast access to testing services without complications, ensuring that clients can undergo testing without any logistical challenges.
In Killeen, TX, hair follicle testing follows a simple and confidential process. From ordering to taking the test, and receiving results, each step is designed to protect privacy and ensure ease of use. Clients have peace of mind knowing their information is secure and the process is straightforward.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Killeen, TX, provides exceptional value, especially for businesses of various sizes. This affordability, combined with efficient result delivery, assures companies of quality service that suits their economic needs.
In Killeen, TX, hair follicle testing delivers rapid and precise results. Recognized for its reliability, this method is extremely accurate in identifying substance use, offering precise outcomes that enhance trust in the testing process. Such high accuracy ensures that employers and individuals receive dependable results for informed decision-making.
For employers in Killeen, TX, conducting hair follicle testing ensures compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method reduces potential legal risks while promoting workplace safety. Employers find peace of mind knowing that they are upholding industry standards and protecting their team and clients.
