Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drug presence by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken close to the scalp, hair can reveal up to around a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drug use. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length of approximately 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp generates 100mg of hair, the preferred quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It’s suggested to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. Head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, and so forth).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning constitutes the initial handling of a sample into a laboratory's database. This process entails ensuring that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of a preliminary fast evaluation for potential drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug usage in the majority of specimens, any positive screen must be verified to be legally valid. Samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample display a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial collection is taken for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), highlighting why hair drug testing is one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash prior to confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory sequence from Accessioning through to Confirmation is evaluated in line with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair recognition and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair testing offers significant benefits over traditional urine tests in Lake Dallas, TX. Unlike urine analysis, which detects drug use over a shorter period, hair follicle tests provide a far-reaching detection scope, enhancing accuracy and reliability in drug screening. This makes them a superior option for those seeking precise outcomes.
In Lake Dallas, TX, hair follicle testing is recognized for its extended detection capability, covering up to 90 days. This extended window offers employers a detailed understanding of an individual’s substance use, enabling a more thorough assessment compared to other methods.
Hair follicle testing in Lake Dallas, TX, is renowned for its resistance to tampering. The method's stringent collection and analysis processes ensure that samples remain untampered and provide trustworthy results, safeguarding the integrity of the testing outcome.
For those seeking convenient access to testing services, Lake Dallas, TX, offers numerous locations. Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide presence ensures that testing is quick and painless, with facilities ready to serve local and national needs with efficiency and convenience.
In Lake Dallas, TX, the hair follicle testing process is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to test-taking and receiving results, the process ensures privacy and simplicity, addressing any concerns individuals may have about their personal information being protected.
In Lake Dallas, TX, hair follicle testing is not only quick and effective but also cost-efficient. Accredited Drug Testing provides competitive pricing along with fast turnaround times, making drug testing accessible and valuable for businesses of every size.
In Lake Dallas, TX, hair follicle testing stands out for its speed and precision, delivering results that are both fast and highly dependable. This method excels in pinpointing substance use, ensuring results are not only accurate but also available in a swift timeframe, aiding employers in making informed decisions.
With hair follicle testing in Lake Dallas, TX, employers can achieve peace of mind by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This type of testing decreases legal risks and supports a safer working environment, thus fostering a culture of safety and adherence to regulations.
