Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair archives a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When cut close to the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and various drugs. Hair is easy to collect, relatively hard to tamper with, and is simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hairs (about as thick as a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is lacking, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. Head hair exclusively refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step includes verifying the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and doing any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary swift inspection for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-effective way to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result must be verified to be admissible in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
For samples that are presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at substantially lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which explains why hair drug screening is the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is completed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. The full laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is undertaken with review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In La Casita, TX, hair follicle testing emerges as a superior method when contrasted with traditional urine testing. The benefits of hair testing lie in its unparalleled ability to detect drug use with high precision, dependability, and a longer detection window, providing a broader view of substance history.
Within La Casita, TX, one of the main advantages of hair follicle testing is its extensive detection window. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, this method affords employers a thorough understanding of candidates' or employees' substance habits, greatly aiding informed hiring decisions.
Hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant screening method in La Casita, TX, significantly lowering the potential for sample tampering. This ensures that the obtained results are both dependable and irrefutable, making it an ideal choice for organizations and individuals seeking reliable screening.
Our La Casita, TX clients benefit from convenient testing locations, both locally and nationwide. These centers are strategically positioned to provide a seamless and hassle-free testing experience, ensuring accessibility and efficiency for all our clients.
The process of conducting hair follicle drug testing in La Casita, TX is both simple and confidential. From making the order to taking the test and receiving the results, the process ensures privacy and ease of use, addressing all concerns regarding confidentiality and simplicity.
With competitive pricing structures, hair follicle testing in La Casita, TX is affordable and offers fast turnaround times. This provides exceptional value and peace of mind to companies, regardless of their size, ensuring they receive cost-effective and prompt service.
Hair follicle tests in La Casita, TX, are renowned for their fast, accurate, and reliable results. Offering high precision, these tests are capable of detecting substance use with great accuracy, ensuring that results are trustworthy and timely, which is essential for both personal and professional purposes.
In La Casita, TX, employing hair follicle testing enables businesses to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This proactive approach mitigates legal risks while fostering a safe working environment, offering peace of mind for employers.
