Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use, both drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a record of alcohol and drug consumption over time by embedding biomarkers within its fibers. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal substance use within an estimated 3-month timeframe. Collecting hair is straightforward, tough to tamper with, and convenient for transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's diameter), taken from the scalp, provides 100mg of hair—ideal for tests. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair is an alternative. When we mention head hair, it pertains exclusively to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing process entails four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning denotes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system, covering the verification of proper sealing and shipping, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and filling in any missing data that an electronic custody system doesn’t provide.
Screening is a preliminary check for substance abuse. While cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be verified for legal acceptance. Samples indicating potential positivity in Screening necessitate an additional confirmation step.
In instances of presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (e.g., urine, saliva), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
A positive Screening outcome undergoes Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," it is the hair shaft, not the scalp-embedded follicle, that’s analyzed.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lavon, TX
Hair testing offers improved detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. With a wider window of detection and resilience against tampering, it surpasses urine testing in efficacy and dependability, providing Lavon, TX employers and organizations a superior alternative.
Extended Detection Window in Lavon, TX
Hair follicle testing stands out by offering an extensive detection window of up to 90 days, allowing employers in Lavon to effectively evaluate the long-term substance habits of applicants and employees. This comprehensive history provides a clear understanding of a person's drug use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lavon, TX
The nature of hair follicle testing significantly minimizes the risk of adulteration, ensuring that test results are unquestionably reliable. In Lavon, TX, this method is highly effective in providing secure and accurate outcomes for drug screenings.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lavon, TX
Our wide network of testing centers across the nation and in Lavon, TX, ensures convenience and accessibility. This setup facilitates easy and hassle-free testing services, offering a streamlined experience for all clients.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lavon, TX
We prioritize a simple and confidential procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair test results. Concerns about privacy in Lavon, TX are addressed effectively, ensuring ease of use alongside secured confidentiality for all participants.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lavon, TX
Our hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing with a rapid turnaround, providing exceptional value to organizations of varying sizes in Lavon, TX. Quick, cost-effective solutions are within reach.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lavon, TX
Hair follicle drug tests provide precision and speed, ensuring highly accurate detection of substance use. Their ability to identify past drug use with speed and reliability makes them an essential tool for businesses and individuals seeking dependable testing methods in Lavon, TX.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lavon, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing legal risks. By adopting this testing method, Lavon, TX businesses can enhance workplace safety and assurance.