Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair records a lengthy history of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When collected near the scalp, a hair sample can offer a detection range of up to about three months for alcohol and drug ingestion. The collection process for hair is straightforward, challenging to manipulate, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil in thickness) taken nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and validation. For testing involving EtG, additional screenings, or more than 10 panels, a sample amount of 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the hair using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair can be used. In the context of this, 'head hair' specifically refers to scalp hair, while 'body hair' encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, allocates it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any extra data entry that an electronic chain of custody system may not cover.
Screening provides a preliminary evaluation for drug presence. Although cost-efficient for excluding drug use in most samples, any positive results during Screening must undergo validation to be considered legal in court. Samples showing potential positive results during Screening require further confirmation.
If the Screening indicates a potential positive outcome, more hair from the initial sample is extracted for the Extraction phase. In Extraction, drugs are retrieved from hair at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a complex technique to execute.
Verification of any positive Screening outcome involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all samples indicating a possible positive result are cleaned as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the lab process is evaluated following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 guidelines.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Los Ebanos Colonia, TX
The advantages of hair testing over traditional urine analysis are numerous. Hair tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability, capturing substance use over a wider time span. In contrast, urine tests, while effective for recent use, cannot match the comprehensive monitoring capability that hair follicle testing provides in assessing long-term substance patterns.
Extended Detection Window in Los Ebanos Colonia, TX
One of the pivotal benefits of hair follicle testing is its capability to trace drug use over an extended duration of up to 90 days. This attribute grants employers in Los Ebanos Colonia, Texas, an extensive view of a person's substance history, facilitating informed hiring decisions that contribute to a drug-free workplace environment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Los Ebanos Colonia, TX
Hair follicle tests significantly mitigate the risk of sample adulteration, offering a method that produces reliable and unquestionable results. This robust testing process ensures that employers and entities in Los Ebanos Colonia, Texas, can trust the authenticity and integrity of their drug testing outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Los Ebanos Colonia, TX
Finding a testing center is hassle-free with our broad network of nationwide facilities, including accessible local options in Los Ebanos Colonia, Texas. This convenience ensures that individuals and companies can easily access reliable testing services without any unnecessary hurdles or delays.
Simple, Confidential Process in Los Ebanos Colonia, TX
The procedure for ordering, conducting, and obtaining results from hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. This approach ensures that individuals in Los Ebanos Colonia, Texas, have their privacy protected throughout the testing process, while still gaining access to crucial information on substance use.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Los Ebanos Colonia, TX
Our competitive pricing structures coupled with quick turnaround times offer tremendous value for businesses of all sizes in Los Ebanos Colonia, Texas. These features make hair follicle testing not only an effective but also an affordable option for companies seeking comprehensive drug screening solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Los Ebanos Colonia, TX
Our hair follicle drug testing service is unmatched in terms of precision and speed. Thanks to advanced technology, these tests can swiftly detect substance presence, ensuring that results are highly accurate. Clients in Los Ebanos Colonia, Texas, benefit from a testing methodology that provides dependable outcomes with minimal waiting periods.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Los Ebanos Colonia, TX
Employers in Los Ebanos Colonia, Texas, can achieve peace of mind and ensure compliance with workplace drug policies by adopting hair follicle testing. By doing so, they reduce legal liabilities and strengthen workplace safety, fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.
