Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair serves as a chronological record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of developing hair strands. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month detection duration for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. When referencing head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initiation of a sample's processing into a laboratory's system. This involves confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not facilitated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for excluding drug usage in the majority of samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be viable in court. Samples yielding presumptive positive results during Screening necessitate subsequent confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive result, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lake Tanglewood, TX
In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. In Lake Tanglewood, TX, employers and courts are increasingly opting for hair tests due to their extended detection window and resistance to tampering, making them a more dependable choice for enforcing drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in Lake Tanglewood, TX
Hair follicle testing provides an unparalleled detection window, monitoring substance use for up to 90 days. This allows employers in Lake Tanglewood, TX, to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, crucial for maintaining a safe and drug-free work environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lake Tanglewood, TX
Hair follicle tests are designed to minimize the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable and credible results. In Lake Tanglewood, TX, this method ensures that employers and professionals receive untainted results, reducing the likelihood of tampering and ensuring confidence in the outcome.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Lake Tanglewood, TX
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including those in Lake Tanglewood, TX, offers convenience for those needing quick and easy access to drug testing services. This network ensures that testing is hassle-free, providing accessibility and ease for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lake Tanglewood, TX
The ordering, taking, and receiving of hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. In Lake Tanglewood, TX, this process prioritizes client privacy and ease of use, offering assurance that personal information is protected at all times while ensuring a user-friendly experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lake Tanglewood, TX
Competitive pricing structures and rapid turnaround times offer excellent value for companies in Lake Tanglewood, TX. These factors ensure that businesses of all sizes receive cost-effective and prompt results, maintaining productivity while adhering to a strict budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lake Tanglewood, TX
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, making them an excellent choice for detecting substance use. In Lake Tanglewood, TX, these tests provide high accuracy, ensuring that any substance use is accurately identified. This reliability makes hair testing a trusted method for professionals and employers seeking definitive results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lake Tanglewood, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure adherence to workplace drug-free policies, decreasing legal risks and promoting safety. For employers in Lake Tanglewood, TX, this testing method provides peace of mind by demonstrating a commitment to regulatory compliance and the well-being of their workforce.
