Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an influential method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair entraps biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand, portraying a lengthy timeline of substance use. When acquired near the scalp, hair can exhibit a detection period of up to roughly three months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a similar amount of body hair can be collected. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair only. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four core phases involved in the lab processing of drug test results are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial process of entering a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step includes confirming the sample’s proper seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial fast assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, any positive screen must be confirmed to be acceptable in a legal setting. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require an additional confirmation.
If a sample tests as presumptively positive during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples preliminarily positive are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis itself examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Drug Testing Evolution in Lone Star
Hair follicle testing is gaining favor over urine tests in Lone Star for its superior accuracy. It offers a detailed detection of drug use, reducing uncertainty in results. Its reliability ensures peace of mind for employers and safety professionals.
Benefits Over Traditional Methods
The hair test excels with a longer detection window, capturing a broader timeframe of drug use compared to urine tests. Its resistant nature to tampering offers an additional edge, reinforcing its primary benefits.
Extended Detection
Hair follicle testing in Lone Star spans up to 90 days, surpassing the brief window of urine tests. This extended period provides employers a comprehensive view of drug use over time, proving invaluable for assurance in hiring or monitoring practices.
Advantageous Tracking
The prolonged detection window highlights any patterns of substance abuse, aiding employers in making informed decisions and promoting a safer work environment.
Resistant to Tampering
Hair testing in Lone Star, TX, minimizes the risk of sample adulteration. This reliable testing method ensures results are genuine and trustworthy, significantly reducing the likelihood of manipulation.
Unquestioned Reliability
The integrity of hair tests lies in its ability to resist tampering, providing an indisputable reflection of an individual's drug use history, essential for confident evaluations.
Convenient Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing ensures easy access to drug testing services in Lone Star, TX, with centers nationwide. This wide availability simplifies logistics, providing a seamless experience when scheduling and undergoing tests.
Accessible Service
Whether in central Lone Star or elsewhere, our testing centers offer hassle-free access to services, emphasizing convenience and efficiency for all clients.
Streamlined Testing Process
Our hair testing in Lone Star, TX, ensures a simple workflow from order to result. Clients experience smooth, confidential processes, alleviating privacy concerns and emphasizing ease-of-use in drug testing procedures.
Ease of Results
Receiving results is designed to be direct and straightforward, respecting client confidentiality, and ensuring that the testing experience remains stress-free and efficient.
Competitive Pricing Structures
Our hair follicle testing services in Lone Star, TX, are competitively priced, paired with fast turnaround times. This balance offers excellent value, catering to the needs of businesses, no matter their size.
Value and Efficiency
Organizations benefit from affordable testing solutions combined with timely results, enhancing confidence in our services' value proposition and responsiveness.
Precision and Speed of Hair Follicle Tests
In Lone Star, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer remarkable accuracy and rapid results. These tests precisely identify substance use, ensuring reliable outcomes. The method's speed in processing and delivering results supports informed decision-making in various settings.
High Accuracy Detection
Hair tests are designed to detect substance use with high precision, making them a preferred choice in Lone Star. Their accuracy far surpasses traditional tests, minimizing the risk of false results and bolstering confidence in their findings.
Ensuring Compliance
Employers in Lone Star, TX, find peace of mind through hair follicle tests, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. These tests mitigate legal risks, improving safety and fostering a culture of responsibility.
Enhanced Workplace Safety
By implementing hair tests, workplaces benefit from maintained safety and compliance, supporting both the organization's integrity and employee well-being.
