Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become regarded as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol usage. It provides an extended record of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, it offers up to roughly a 3-month detection window for both alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler's scale is recommended for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair isn't present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. When specifying head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process involves checking that the sample has been sealed and shipped correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry that an electronic chain of custody system did not provide.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be admissible in legal contexts. Any samples presumed positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at a substantially reduced concentration compared to other procedures (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug analysis the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is accomplished via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumed positive samples are washed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure, encompassing Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests," the test itself analyzes the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Liberty, TX. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. Unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection window, hair tests can identify drug use over extended periods, making them invaluable for employers eager to maintain a drug-free environment, allowing for more comprehensive substance abuse assessments.
Hair follicle testing in Liberty, TX offers an extended detection window, stretching up to 90 days. This method allows employers a broader view of an individual's substance use history. By covering such a vast detection period, companies gain a better understanding of an employee or applicant's possible substance use, supporting more informed and safer staffing decisions.
In Liberty, TX, hair follicle tests present a tamper-resistant method for drug screening. This testing significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration, producing results that are dependable and indisputable. With these secure testing measures, employers can rely on accurate data, avoiding false negatives or compromised samples often associated with other testing methods.
Convenient nationwide testing locations, including those in Liberty, TX, provide easy and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. With numerous centers across the country, clients can expect quick service, ensuring their testing needs are met swiftly and efficiently, contributing to streamlined operations.
In Liberty, TX, the process of hair follicle testing remains simple and confidential. The straightforward protocol for ordering, testing, and result retrieval eases concerns about privacy and usability. Clients can expect a process designed to protect their confidentiality while delivering results effectively and efficiently.
Hair follicle testing in Liberty, TX boasts affordable pricing and rapid turnaround. By maintaining competitive pricing structures, companies of all sizes obtain excellent value. Coupled with the speed at which results are delivered, businesses enjoy peace of mind, knowing they receive both cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Fast, accurate, and reliable results in Liberty, TX make hair follicle drug tests superior. These tests excel in precision, detecting substance use with remarkable accuracy, thereby ensuring trustworthy outcomes. Hair tests are conducted under strict protocols, swiftly delivered, making them an optimal choice for employers and individuals seeking reliable diagnostic insights regarding substance intake.
Using hair follicle testing in Liberty, TX offers employers compliance and peace of mind. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, lowering legal risks and enhancing safety. By employing robust hair testing protocols, companies bolster their commitment to maintaining a secure and compliant working environment.
