Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal a prolonged history of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer up to an estimated 90-day detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We advocate using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable amount of body hair can be gathered. When referring to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample into the lab’s system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary quick check for drugs of misuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use for the majority of samples, a positive screen needs confirmation to be valid in court. All samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a specimen is presumed positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other techniques (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging technique to perform.
Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as needed. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
In Loraine, TX, hair follicle testing offers distinct advantages over conventional urine tests. With superior accuracy and reliability, hair tests outperform in detecting long-term substance use. This method ensures more thorough results.
Employers in Loraine, TX benefit from the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. This method tracks drug use over a period of up to 90 days, providing a detailed view of an individual’s substance history.
Hair follicle testing is the tamper-resistant choice in Loraine, TX. These tests significantly reduce the risk of sample adulteration, offering reliable and definitive results that can't be easily compromised.
Convenience is key in Loraine, TX, with a vast network of nationwide and local testing locations. Quick, easy access to testing services is guaranteed, making the process hassle-free for all involved.
The process of hair follicle testing in Loraine, TX is straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, every step is designed to respect privacy and promote ease of use.
In Loraine, TX, businesses can take advantage of competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This service provides excellent value, ensuring peace of mind for companies of all sizes.
Hair follicle tests in Loraine, TX offer an unrivaled level of precision and speed in substance detection. These tests swiftly provide answers, boasting a high degree of accuracy which is preferred by many who seek reliable results.
For employers in Loraine, TX, hair follicle testing ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only minimizes legal risk but also promotes a safer work environment.