Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can capture a long-term record of alcohol and other drug usage by encapsulating these substances in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period for alcohol and drugs that spans up to around three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of about 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil in size) taken nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If head hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be taken. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the laboratory’s system. This step involves confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any further data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for the presence of drugs. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for it to be legally acceptable. Any samples that indicate a positive result in Screening require a subsequent verification.
If a sample shows a positive indication during the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are extracted from hair in considerably lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The overall laboratory processing from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the assay targets the hair strand without analyzing the follicle under the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lamesa, TX
Hair testing showcases significant advantages over traditional urine tests through superior detection capabilities and reliability. While urine testing provides more immediate results for recent use, hair testing offers a broader detection window and is less prone to evasion, making it the preferred choice for those seeking thorough, accurate results.
Extended Detection Window in Lamesa, TX
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to trace drug use over a longer timeframe, often up to 90 days. This extended detection capability gives employers a comprehensive perspective on an individual's substance use history, proving invaluable for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lamesa, TX
The hair follicle test greatly minimizes the potential for sample tampering, offering reliable and unquestionable results. This method ensures the integrity of the testing process, providing peace of mind to employers and organizations aiming for precise substance use insights.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lamesa, TX
With testing centers spread nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing becomes a simple, hassle-free process. Our centers ensure quick service, providing the convenience and ease of access that individuals and companies in Lamesa need for timely testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lamesa, TX
Our hair follicle testing process emphasizes simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to obtaining the results, the procedure is streamlined with privacy in mind, ensuring users have a seamless and discreet experience without compromising on ease and security.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lamesa, TX
We combine competitive pricing with quick result turnaround times, offering tangible value to companies regardless of size. Our efficient services ensure affordability while maintaining high quality, giving peace of mind through financially sensible and timely solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lamesa, TX
Hair follicle drug tests offer precision and speed, providing accurate detection of substance use. This method surpasses more conventional testing methods in accuracy, swiftly identifying the presence of drugs or alcohol, thus ensuring reliable results that employers and individuals in Lamesa can count on.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lamesa, TX
Employing hair follicle testing aids in maintaining compliance with drug-free policies, significantly reducing legal risks. This method not only upholds company standards but also enhances workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind through assured accuracy and adherence to regulations.
