Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. This technique utilizes hair to capture biomarkers within the strands, offering a prolonged record of substance use. When clipped near the scalp, hair samples can reveal substance use for around three months, whether for alcohol or other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal sample for analysis and corroboration. For tests involving EtG add-ons or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the hair specimen. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When "head hair" is mentioned, it refers solely to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, and so on).
Process Overview
The procedure for processing a drug test in the lab consists of four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary phase where a sample is integrated into a lab's system. It involves confirming the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data entry if not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug use. While this step is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, any positive findings must be corroborated to be valid in legal scenarios. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample tests positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the primary specimen for the Extraction phase, where drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug tests.
Confirmed positive results are verified by employing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The entire test process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized in compliance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and accreditation to the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", this refers to analyzing the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lancaster, TX
Hair follicle tests offer clear advantages over traditional urine tests by providing a longer detection window of up to 90 days. Urine tests only detect recent substance use, often missing prior history. Hair testing reveals a person's consistent drug use patterns, making it a superior choice for thorough substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Lancaster, TX
Offering an extended detection period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing allows employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s substance use history. This extensive timeline helps in maintaining a drug-free workplace and reinforces informed hiring decisions, reflecting on an individual's long-term habits.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lancaster, TX
Hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of tampering or adulteration, providing results that are reliable and indisputable. The collection process is observed, making it significantly more difficult to manipulate the sample, unlike urine tests, lending greater confidence to the results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lancaster, TX
Our extensive network of testing centers, including those in Lancaster, TX, ensures quick, easy, and hassle-free testing. Clients can securely and conveniently access our comprehensive services nationwide, reinforcing our commitment to accessible and efficient drug testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lancaster, TX
Our process for ordering, taking, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. We prioritize privacy throughout, from order placement to result delivery, ensuring a stress-free experience, addressing any privacy concerns, and highlighting ease of use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lancaster, TX
We offer competitive pricing structures and quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests, providing exceptional value and peace of mind for businesses. This affordability combined with fast results helps companies maintain their budgets while ensuring comprehensive drug testing.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lancaster, TX
Hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed. They accurately detect substance use, providing definitive results quickly. This reliability aids in making informed decisions, ensuring confidence in the outcomes, and reinforcing their role in effective drug testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lancaster, TX
Employers benefit from hair follicle tests by ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. These tests minimize legal risks and promote safety, offering peace of mind and enhancing the wellbeing of all employees by maintaining a stringent drug-free environment.
