Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying substance use. It chronicles a long-term record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand fibers. When sampling near the scalp, hair offers detection capabilities for alcohol and drugs over a span of up to 3 months. Hair is easy to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil size) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, or panels above 10, a sample of 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the laboratory assessment of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves introducing a sample into a lab’s database. This step ensures the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional information missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for drug presence. While Screening economically eliminates drug usage from most samples, positive screenings require confirmation to be legally valid. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening need subsequent validation.
Upon a presumptive positive result in Screening, more strands are extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction process. Here, substances are drawn from hair at lesser concentrations as compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair analysis a challenging procedure.
Confirmatory testing for any positive screening result employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. Confirmatory samples are washed beforehand as required. The entire laboratory chain from Accessioning to Confirmation aligns with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation guidelines.
Benefits of hair analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite commonly being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis involves the hair strand, not the root under the scalp.
In Knox City, TX, the benefits of hair follicle testing over urine tests are clear. Hair tests offer a much longer detection window, making it superior in identifying historical drug use. Unlike urine tests, which detect substances in the short term, hair follicle testing provides unparalleled accuracy and reliability in substance detection, giving companies confidence in the results obtained from their testing protocols.
In Knox City, TX, hair follicle testing extends its detection window up to 90 days, offering a far-reaching examination into one’s substance use patterns. This extensive timeframe enables employers to access an applicant or employee’s substance history, granting a comprehensive evaluation that surpasses other methods. The long detection period is pivotal in making informed decisions about drug use.
In the city of Knox City, TX, hair follicle testing stands out in its ability to minimize sample tampering risks. The difficulty of adulterating hair samples ensures that the results you receive are reliable and unassailable. This resilience to tampering makes hair testing an essential choice for those seeking a drug testing technique that maintains its integrity throughout the testing process.
In Knox City, TX, the convenience of having nationwide testing centers is unmatchable. Our extensive network ensures fast, straightforward, and efficient access to our services without hassle. Whether locally or across the country, our testing locations offer a convenient option for those seeking reliable drug testing services that are easy to access and deploy.
In Knox City, TX, the process of hair follicle testing is simple and confidential. From ordering to results delivery, privacy is assured. The ease of the entire process addresses any user concerns about confidentiality, ensuring that each step is handled discreetly, allowing for a stress-free experience that respects user privacy at all levels.
Our hair follicle testing services in Knox City, TX, are designed to provide competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times. This affordability paired with speed of results offers excellent value for businesses, regardless of size. The cost-effectiveness further extends peace of mind for companies seeking quality testing solutions without a premium price tag.
Hair follicle testing in Knox City, TX, is synonymous with speed and accuracy. A major advantage of this method is its unparalleled precision in detecting drug use. Known for their swift results, these tests are a valuable tool in maintaining a drug-free environment, offering highly accurate detections of any illicit substance over time. This efficiency in results delivery makes it an unbeatable choice for employers aiming for reliable outcomes.
Employers in Knox City, TX, can enjoy peace of mind with hair follicle testing due to its compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This method helps minimize legal risks and fosters a safer work environment. Implementing hair testing demonstrates a commitment to maintaining security and adherence to standards, beneficial to both workplace safety and corporate reputation.
