Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. As hair grows, it captures biomarkers within its fibers, offering a prolonged history of alcohol and drug exposure. When gathered near the scalp, a hair sample can reveal substance use for a period extending up to around 90 days. Hair sampling is straightforward to perform, challenging to falsify, and convenient to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch sample, consisting of around 200 hair strands (akin to the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of material, which is the optimal quantity for both initial screening and later verification. For an EtG assessment, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of specimen is advised. It's suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair isn't accessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be taken. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses other types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core steps in the lab processing of drug test outcomes are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the first handling of a specimen within the lab's infrastructure. This consists of checking that the specimen was correctly sealed and transported, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a rapid preliminary test for drugs of misuse. While Screening is an economical means to exclude drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive result must be confirmed to be valid for legal proceedings. Samples that yield a presumptive positive during Screening require a follow-up confirmation.
For samples showing presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, hair is processed to extract drugs at much lower levels than alternative techniques (e.g., urine or saliva), which accounts for hair drug testing's complexity.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive findings is performed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Each positive screened sample is washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: These tests are often misnamed "hair follicle tests", but in reality, the analysis involves the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing is a superior choice in Latexo, TX, over conventional urine tests due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests capture recent substance use, hair tests provide a comprehensive overview with a detection period extending up to 90 days. This longer window means employers can assess an applicant’s history more thoroughly, making hair testing an effective deterrent against drug misuse.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Latexo, TX, is unparalleled, offering insight into drug use over a period of up to 90 days. This capability provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance use history, exceeding the timeframe achieved by urine tests. With this longer detection period, employers gain valuable information for making informed hiring or retention decisions, ensuring workplace safety and reliability.
Hair follicle tests are known for their resilience against tampering, making them an ideal choice in Latexo, TX. The nature of the hair testing process significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration. Unlike urine tests, where samples can be manipulated, hair tests collect samples directly from the source, ensuring reliable and unquestionable results. This tamper-resistant nature provides confidence to those requiring drug testing.
Our nationwide testing centers, including those in Latexo, TX, provide a convenient and hassle-free way to access drug testing services. These locations ensure that clients enjoy quick and easy access to testing facilities without unnecessary delays. The widespread availability of our centers means that no matter where you are, accredited testing is within reach, making the whole process straightforward and stress-free.
The process for hair follicle testing in Latexo, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, every step is made straightforward, addressing any privacy concerns. Our commitment to confidentiality ensures that clients can trust the integrity of the process, while the ease of use makes the testing experience seamless and efficient, emphasizing convenience and reliability.
Our competitive pricing makes hair follicle testing accessible in Latexo, TX, offering fast turnaround times that deliver excellent value. Companies of all sizes can rely on our services without breaking the bank, benefiting from swift results that support their drug-free workplace goals. This affordable pricing, paired with quick and accurate testing outcomes, ensures that organizations receive the best possible service without compromising on quality.
When it comes to obtaining swift and precise results, hair follicle drug tests in Latexo, TX, excel. These tests offer high accuracy, making them a preferred choice for detecting substance use efficiently. With reliable methodologies, they ensure quick and trustworthy results, minimizing the uncertainty associated with other testing methods. Organizations and individuals alike can depend on these tests for consistent outcomes.
Implementing hair follicle testing in Latexo, TX, supports compliance with workplace drug-free policies, offering peace of mind to employers. By reducing legal risks associated with non-compliance and enhancing workplace safety, these tests ensure that employers maintain high standards of safety and legal integrity. Hair testing acts as a strong deterrent against drug use, aligning with zero-tolerance policies and upholding a safe working environment.
