Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers in its growing fibers. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers an approximate 3-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, provides 100mg of hair and serves as the optimal sample for screening and confirming results. For tests involving EtG, additional screenings, or over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean solely scalp hair. Conversely, body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in a laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the initial process of integrating a sample into the laboratory’s system. It involves ensuring the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary rapid assessment for drug presence. Although it is a cost-effective means to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples suspected to be positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample appears presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. This phase involves retrieving drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Positive screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
In Lake Creek, TX, hair follicle testing offers superior benefits over traditional urine tests. Unlike urine samples, hair samples provide a broader detection window and are less prone to manipulation, leading to more accurate and reliable outcomes. Employers and legal authorities favor hair tests for these reasons, especially when a trustworthy assessment of substance use is crucial.
Hair follicle testing in Lake Creek, TX, offers a remarkable detection period, capturing drug use history up to 90 days before the test. This extended window affords employers a panoramic view of an individual's substance use patterns, crucial for making informed hiring decisions and maintaining workplace integrity.
Ensuring authenticity, hair follicle testing in Lake Creek, TX, is crafted to withstand tampering attempts. The nature of this method greatly diminishes the potential for sample adulteration, establishing itself as a dependable technique that delivers unquestionable and robust results for various testing needs.
Accredited Drug Testing's widespread presence, including facilities in Lake Creek, TX, emphasizes convenience. With numerous centers nationwide, availing our services is straightforward and stress-free. This expansive network ensures that individuals and businesses can access reliable testing without geographical hassles.
In Lake Creek, TX, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. Users can effortlessly order tests, collect samples, and receive results while their privacy is strictly safeguarded. This clarity and ease of use appeal to those who prioritize discretion alongside efficiency.
In Lake Creek, TX, our testing solutions promise affordability along with rapid turnaround times. Our competitive pricing options provide unbeatable value for companies of all sizes, ensuring they receive top-tier testing services without breaking the bank, complemented by quick and dependable results that matter.
The technology behind hair follicle drug testing in Lake Creek, TX, ensures both speed and accuracy. This method excels at swiftly identifying signs of substance use, providing high-precision results that leave little room for error. With its meticulous detection capabilities, hair testing is a preferred choice for those seeking comprehensive and quick outcomes in their drug testing procedures.
Implementing hair follicle tests in Lake Creek, TX, helps employers ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also elevates workplace safety and compliance. By trusting in hair testing's accuracy and reliability, organizations can achieve peace of mind and maintain productive environments.
