Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains biomarkers within its strands as it grows, offering a prolonged retrospective view of alcohol and drug use. When gathered adjacent to the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug consumption for nearly three months. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and easily transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, comprising about 200 hair strands (approximating the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, extensions, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measurement. In cases where scalp hair is not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug screening result primarily consists of four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning incorporates the preliminary handling of a sample into the laboratory’s framework. It encompasses validating the secure and correct dispatch of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data recording not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a rapid preliminary examination for substance abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly means to dismiss drug usage across most samples, court-acceptability requires verification of a positive screen. Any samples exhibiting a presumptive positive in Screening mandate an additional confirmation step.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. At this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a significantly lower concentration than alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug assessment the most complex methodology to execute.
Verification of any positive screening result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as required. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 regulations.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is of the hair strand, excluding the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Loma Alta, TX
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection compared to traditional urine tests. This method not only enhances accuracy but also provides a robust reliability structure. Evidence uncovered by hair testing remains uncontested for its precision, making it an ideal choice for thorough substance checks.
Extended Detection Window in Loma Alta, TX
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This broad timeframe allows for a detailed insight into an individual's substance history, granting employers a well-rounded view beyond immediate usage, unlike other testing forms currently in practice.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Loma Alta, TX
Compared to other methods, hair follicle tests significantly minimize the chances of sample tampering. This robustness guarantees that outcomes are reliable and indisputable, offering a solid foundation for ensuring substance use transparency.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Loma Alta, TX
Our testing centers are strategically positioned nationwide, including Loma Alta, TX, facilitating easy and hassle-free access. This wide coverage ensures that anyone in need of testing gets prompt and efficient service, enhancing overall convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Loma Alta, TX
The process of ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward and confidential. This approach ensures privacy while maintaining ease of use, addressing concerns of those seeking subtle yet thorough testing experiences.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Loma Alta, TX
We offer competitive pricing structures that suit businesses of all sizes. Coupled with our rapid turnaround times, this makes our services not only cost-effective but also quick, providing unparalleled value and peace of mind to our clientele.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Loma Alta, TX
The precision of hair follicle drug tests lies in their ability to identify substance use with unmatched accuracy. The swift processing time ensures that results are timely, aiding in quick decision-making. This reliability makes hair testing a preferable choice for those needing definitive results without long waits.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Loma Alta, TX
Opting for hair follicle testing aligns with workplace drug-free protocols. This not only enhances safety but also reduces legal risks, providing employers peace of mind and ensuring compliance with vital standards across different professional environments.
