Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive history of substance use by capturing biomarkers within its fibers. When extracted near the scalp, hair can indicate substance use within a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 hairs (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to measure the sample is advisable. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equivalent volume of body hair might be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning comprises the initial administration of a sample into a lab system. This process involves confirming the sample’s sealed and proper shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient method to negate drug use in most samples, yet a positive screening demands confirmation to stand in legal proceedings. Specimens that test positive in Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample exhibits a presumptive positive at the Screening level, more hair is retrieved from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are derived from hair at a considerably lower concentration than found in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), marking hair drug screening as the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirming a positive screening outcome is carried out through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and in adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The so-called "hair follicle tests" actually analyze the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle tests to traditional urine tests in Lautz, TX, the benefits are substantial. Hair tests boast superior detection accuracy, revealing drug use over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, which detect more recent use, hair tests provide a long-term view critical for employers with zero-tolerance policies, ensuring that a single test can reliably inform hiring decisions.
Employers in Lautz, TX, value the extended detection window of hair follicle testing, which can track drug use for up to 90 days. This method offers a comprehensive overview of an applicant or employee's past substance use, significantly aiding in drug-free workplace initiatives. By examining longer histories, employers are better equipped to assess potential risks and ensure workforce safety.
Hair follicle tests in Lautz, TX, significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering, providing unquestionable results. The inherent nature of hair testing limits opportunities for adulteration, ensuring samples remained untouched from collection to results. This tamper-resistant method gives companies the confidence that their drug testing is both trustworthy and effective.
Located in Lautz, TX, our testing locations offer convenient access through nationwide centers. This ensures a seamless, hassle-free experience for individuals and companies needing drug tests. Our easily accessible facilities simplify the process, providing quick results wherever you are.
In Lautz, TX, our drug testing offers a simple, confidential process from ordering to receiving results. We prioritize privacy while streamlining every step, ensuring users can comfortably complete the process with ease and assurance that their personal data is secure.
Accredited Drug Testing in Lautz, TX, provides affordable pricing and fast turnaround. Our competitive pricing allows companies of all sizes to budget their testing needs effectively. Coupled with swift result delivery, we ensure accurate testing solutions are accessible and economical.
In Lautz, TX, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results. Due to their precision, these tests rapidly detect substance use with high accuracy. They offer a clear snapshot that helps employers make informed decisions quickly. With each test validated through rigorous procedures, those choosing hair testing can rely on consistent results.
For Lautz, TX employers, hair follicle testing ensures compliance and peace of mind with drug-free policies. Its use minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety by reliably verifying abstinence from substance use over extended periods. Employers benefit from thorough testing processes that reinforce a safe and drug-free environment.
