Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair pertains to any other hair type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial processing of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial rapid check for drugs of misuse. While Screening is a cost-effective means to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be permissible in court. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed 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: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the test itself examines the hair strand and not the hair follicle under the scalp
Hair follicle testing provides clear benefits over traditional urine tests, especially in Lakewood Heights, TX. Its advanced detection accuracy allows it to uncover substance use with greater precision. Compared to urine tests, hair analysis extends over a longer timeframe, increasing its reliability when assessing substance usage history.
This testing method is especially beneficial in cases where precise and detailed results are essential due to its high sensitivity and extensive detection window.
An extended detection window, up to 90 days, sets hair follicle testing apart in Lakewood Heights, TX. This vast timeframe gives employers a thorough view of an individual's substance usage history. Employers can make informed decisions about prospective employees or current staff with this comprehensive drug use overview.
Unlike shorter-term tests, this extensive reach provides a more consistent and reliable method of understanding long-term habits.
Lakewood Heights, TX businesses benefit from hair follicle tests' tamper-resistant characteristics. The science behind hair testing makes it nearly impossible to alter results, providing unquestionable reliability. This integrity assures companies of accurate data, enabling trust in the test's outcome.
Such robustness in preventing sample tampering ensures that the results received are authentic and factual, safeguarding organizational policies.
Convenient accessibility is paramount in Lakewood Heights, TX, with testing centers established nationwide. This ensures simple and swift testing service access, minimizing time and logistics hurdles. Testing locations set throughout local and regional areas streamline the process, offering hassle-free experiences.
Employers and testers alike can benefit from these efficient, strategically positioned facilities designed for maximum convenience.
In Lakewood Heights, TX, the hair follicle testing process is conducted with simplicity and confidentiality in mind. From ordering to result retrieval, every step is designed to protect privacy. This user-friendly approach ensures that individuals can access test results discreetly and easily without compromising their personal information.
Known for its straightforward protocol, it alleviates privacy concerns, instilling confidence in both individuals and businesses.
Affordable pricing structures mixed with rapid turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Lakewood Heights, TX an attractive solution. Organizations of all sizes find significant value in services that couple competitive pricing with fast result delivery, reducing wait times and ensuring efficient operations.
This balance of cost-effectiveness with prompt service provides a solution that aligns with budget-conscious entities, ensuring peace of mind without costly expenses.
In Lakewood Heights, TX, hair follicle drug tests are prized for their rapid yet thorough reporting capabilities. The process is designed to ensure swift collection and analysis, delivering fast and definitive outcomes. High accuracy is assured, allowing evaluators to identify any substance use reliably.
The precision in detecting drugs translates into timely, actionable insights for employers, offering an effective method for monitoring workplace compliance swiftly.
Hair follicle testing in Lakewood Heights, TX offers employers a method to uphold drug-free policies strictly. Compliance is essential, and by choosing hair analysis, the risk of legal issues diminishes. This approach aids in maintaining a safe and secure workplace environment.
Employers gain peace of mind knowing that they adhere to industry standards while protecting both their workforce and company reputation.
