Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and other drugs by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal up to approximately a 3-month detection window for alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 strands of hair (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We recommend weighing the specimen on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. When discussing head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The quartet of steps involved in the laboratory processing of a drug test result covers Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial processing of a sample within a laboratory’s system. This incorporates verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening encompasses an initial rapid check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical way to rule out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be admissible in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening do require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is drawn from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methodologies (ex. urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most complex methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the test itself evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing is evident in its superior detection accuracy and reliability. In Lord, TX, hair tests offer an extended detection window compared to traditional urine tests. This advantage provides a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history, ensuring decisions are based on comprehensive data.
Extended Detection Window in hair follicle testing allows for a longer period of drug use detection, up to 90 days. This extended timeframe gives employers in Lord, TX a thorough understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance use, providing a complete view of their history and behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method is a notable feature of hair follicle testing in Lord, TX. These tests dramatically minimize the likelihood of sample tampering, ensuring the results are credible and indisputable. This reliability is crucial for maintaining trust and confidence in the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and local access points in Lord, TX make testing easily accessible. Our broad network of centers ensures a seamless experience from scheduling to testing, providing convenience and flexibility for clients seeking reliable drug testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process is key when it comes to drug testing. In Lord, TX, the procedure for ordering, testing, and receiving results is straightforward and confidential, alleviating concerns about privacy and user-friendliness, and catering to the needs of individuals and organizations alike.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround are guaranteed in Lord, TX, offering competitive pricing structures. Our quick turnaround times ensure that clients receive results promptly, combining exceptional value with peace of mind for organizations of various sizes, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results are paramount in drug testing, and hair follicle tests excel in providing these. In Lord, TX, these tests deliver precise and speedy results, standing out in detecting substance use with high accuracy. The efficient processing time not only reduces waiting periods but also enhances decision-making for organizations.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers are achieved through hair follicle testing in Lord, TX. This method ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies and mitigates legal risks. Employers can enhance safety and security in their environments, promoting a healthier, more productive workplace.
