Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair stores a chronological record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to roughly three months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For tests including EtG or more than 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair can be used. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other hair varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory operation for processing a drug test involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about incorporating a sample into the laboratory’s framework. It ensures that the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and accomplishes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method for eliminating drug usage in the majority of samples, any positive screen must be verified for legal acceptability. Samples tentatively positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent verification.
Should a sample be provisionally positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen to prepare for Extraction. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every tentatively positive sample is cleansed before verification as required. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing in Lindberg, TX, stands superior to urine testing due to its enhanced detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can detect substances taken recently, hair tests excel in providing a comprehensive drug use history for up to 90 days. This method, less susceptible to manipulation, offers firms a reliable way to uphold drug-free workplace standards and ensure employee compliance.
In Lindberg, TX, the extended detection window of hair follicle testing offers significant advantages. Capable of tracing drug use up to 90 days back, it provides a comprehensive view of an individual’s substance uptake history. Employers benefit from this extensive timeframe, ensuring informed hiring and monitoring decisions by obtaining detailed insights into an applicant or employee's past drug use behavior.
Hair follicle tests in Lindberg, TX, epitomize a tamper-resistant examination method, drastically minimizing the risk of sample adulteration. Their ability to thwart attempts at testing circumvention provides businesses with reliable, indisputable results. This robust approach to drug screening supports organizations in maintaining integrity and trust in their workplace, ensuring sample validity across various scenarios.
Convenience is key in Lindberg, TX, with Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network of testing locations. Offering easy, nationwide access, these centers simplify the testing process, allowing swift and hassle-free assessments. Local availability ensures quick response to testing needs, enabling employers and individuals to efficiently meet their testing requirements without logistical stress or delays.
The hair follicle testing process in Lindberg, TX, is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns effectively. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure ensures ease of use for clients, emphasizing confidentiality throughout. This seamless process empowers individuals and organizations alike, ensuring peace of mind with secure handling of sensitive data and straightforward execution of tests.
Lindberg, TX, benefits from Accredited Drug Testing's competitive pricing and swift turnaround times. Our cost-effective structures offer excellent value without compromising quality, catering to businesses of all sizes. These affordable services ensure that companies can uphold robust drug-testing programs, achieving peace of mind through timely and meticulous analysis, contributing to safer, more accountable workplaces.
In Lindberg, TX, hair follicle drug tests are renowned for their precision and speed, delivering rapid and accurate results. Their superior detection capabilities ensure reliable assessments of substance use, providing a dependable approach for employers and professionals. This method has gained traction over traditional testing due to its ability to detect multiple substances with remarkable accuracy in a single examination.
Employers in Lindberg, TX, find peace of mind and compliance advantage in hair follicle testing. This method fortifies drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities and enhancing overall safety. Ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance, it alleviates concerns for businesses about maintaining a safe and policy-abiding work environment, supporting both legal and ethical employer frameworks.
