Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a highly effective instrument for identifying the consumption of drugs and alcohol. Hair captures a detailed history of these substances by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer up to a 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other substances. It's straightforward to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 strands of hair (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advised to use 150mg of the sample. We suggest using a jeweler's scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't accessible, the equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in a laboratory is divided into four essential stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the sample's preliminary processing in a laboratory’s system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data input lacking from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial brief assessment for drugs of abuse. Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug use in most samples; however, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Presumptive positives in Screening necessitate an additional verification.
When a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. At this juncture, drugs are removed from hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), illustrating why hair drug testing is one of the most complex methodologies to conduct.
Any positive screening outcome is confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive specimens undergo a prior washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive laboratory method from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the common term "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Lakeside City, TX, surpasses traditional urine tests by offering superior detection capabilities. These tests provide a comprehensive analysis, capturing substance use that might be missed by urine tests. With a remarkable ability to track drug history, hair tests offer employers and agencies a robust tool in maintaining safety standards effortlessly.
In hair testing, the extended detection period is a key advantage. Unlike urine tests that focus on recent drug activity, hair tests can uncover drug usage as far as 90 days in the past, giving organizations a broader insight into an individual's substance history. This long-range detection is integral to enforcing strict drug-free policies effectively.
In Lakeside City, TX, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing sets new benchmarks. Capable of identifying substance use for up to 90 days, it provides employers with a complete view of an individual’s drug history. This enhanced visibility is a critical asset for organizations committed to ensuring a drug-free environment.
Hair follicle testing significantly minimizes tampering risks in Lakeside City, TX. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis is less prone to adulteration or substitutions. Results obtained through hair samples are consistent and reliable, offering businesses and legal entities peace of mind knowing they have undistorted and trustworthy data.
Our nationwide network of testing facilities extends to local centers in Lakeside City, TX, providing seamless access to hair follicle testing services. Conveniently positioned to meet your needs, our locations ensure quick and hassle-free testing experiences, reinforcing our commitment to supporting communities across the nation.
In Lakeside City, TX, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and anonymous. With a focus on user-friendliness, individuals can effortlessly order tests, provide samples, and receive confidential results. This efficient process addresses privacy concerns, ensuring ease of use for everyone involved.
Offering competitive pricing in Lakeside City, TX, our hair follicle testing ensures cost-effective solutions with fast turnaround times. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from our services, receiving excellent value and the assurance of timely results, essential for maintaining high operational standards.
The reliability and speed of hair follicle drug testing in Lakeside City, TX, stand unrivaled. With precision in detecting various substances, these tests prove invaluable to employers and judicial systems. This method efficiently reveals substance use, delivering high accuracy and swift results that traditional urine tests cannot match, ensuring a safer workplace and community.
Employers in Lakeside City, TX, gain peace of mind and compliance with hair follicle testing. Meeting the standards of drug-free work policies, this testing method reduces legal liabilities and fosters a safe working environment. Its accuracy and reliability support organizations in upholding high safety standards efficiently.
