Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing has gained recognition as a robust method for identifying the usage of alcohol and drugs. Hair offers an extended timeline of alcohol and drug activity by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can potentially reveal drug and alcohol consumption over roughly a 3-month window. Hair collection is straightforward, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (roughly the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield about 100mg, the optimum sample for both screening and verification purposes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or analyses exceeding 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair is not present, an equivalent volume of body hair may be gathered. The reference to head hair specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core steps in processing a laboratory drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the first stage of entering a sample into a lab’s system. This step involves verifying the sample’s proper sealing and shipping, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry absent from an electronic chain of custody format.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid examination for the presence of drugs. While an economical way to refute drug consumption in most samples, a positive result in Screening requires confirmation for court validity. Any samples suggestively positive in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
In instances where the Screening phase indicates presumptive positivity, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and readied for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug screening is notoriously challenging.
To verify any screening positives, methodologies such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are employed. All samples registering as presumptive positives are washed before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer; the test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Kirbyville, TX
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle drug testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. This method provides a more thorough assessment of drug use over a longer period, noting even minimal substance presence, thus making it a highly trusted choice by employers in Kirbyville.
Extended Detection Window in Kirbyville, TX
Hair follicle testing surpasses other methods with a notable ability to detect drug use up to 90 days back. This advantage provides employers with a broad and comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance use history, aiding in more informed decision-making regarding hiring and employment continuity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Kirbyville, TX
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring credible and indisputable results. By using this robust method, the reliability of testing increases as it avoids common fraud tactics, granting peace of mind through secure and foolproof testing processes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Kirbyville, TX
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation ensures that accessing testing services is quick, easy, and hassle-free. Kirbyville residents benefit from this convenience, with both local and widespread options available to meet their specific needs efficiently.
Simple, Confidential Process in Kirbyville, TX
The process of hair follicle drug testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to collecting and receiving results, each step is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring privacy and ease for test-takers. This approach addresses any concerns regarding confidentiality and accessibility.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Kirbyville, TX
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times present excellent value for companies of all sizes. By offering affordable rates and prompt results, we provide assurance and support to businesses seeking effective and efficient drug testing solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Kirbyville, TX
Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and swiftness in identifying substance use. The accuracy is unmatched, ensuring reliable results for employers and individuals. The method's reliability lies in its ability to provide quick insights into an individual's substance use, bolstering confidence in the testing process.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Kirbyville, TX
Employers utilizing hair follicle testing can achieve compliance with drug-free workplace policies, thereby reducing potential legal issues and promoting a safer working environment. Ensuring adherence to policy helps in maintaining high operational standards and worker safety.
