Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a highly effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. It provides an extensive history of substance use by encasing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol intake for a period of up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to alter, and simple to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp is sufficient to yield 100mg of hair, an ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is recommended. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of drug test results in the laboratory involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial integration of a sample into a lab's system. This step verifies that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as the preliminary review for drug presence. Though efficient in ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening must be validated for legal acceptability. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for further analysis. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex techniques.
The confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methodologies. Presumptive positive samples undergo a cleansing before final confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually pertains to the hair strand itself and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Lowry Crossing, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior accuracy and reliability. Traditional urine tests often miss periodic substance use; however, hair tests provide a more comprehensive picture of an individual's drug use. This is invaluable for employers seeking to maintain a drug-free workplace, ensuring policies are enforced effectively.
Hair follicle testing in Lowry Crossing, TX provides insight into an individual's drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This prolonged detection window is crucial for employers who want a thorough understanding of an employee or candidate's substance history, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace.
In Lowry Crossing, TX, hair follicle tests stand out for their tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other testing methods, these tests are challenging to adulterate, resulting in unquestionable and reliable outcomes. This reduces the risk of sample tampering, benefitting entities that require definitive testing results.
The convenience of readily accessible testing centers across the nation, including in Lowry Crossing, TX, facilitates straightforward testing processes. With local and nationwide availability, individuals can easily access services that are efficient and hassle-free, ensuring prompt attention to testing needs.
Our simple, confidential process in Lowry Crossing, TX addresses privacy concerns effectively. The procedure for requesting, taking, and receiving results is designed with ease in mind, promoting a seamless experience. Confidentiality is prioritized, ensuring that personal information is kept secure during every step.
In Lowry Crossing, TX, our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times offer significant value. Affordable rates make hair follicle testing accessible to businesses of all sizes, while quick results provide certainty and allow prompt decision-making. This combination ensures exceptional service at reasonable costs.
Precision and speed are hallmarks of hair follicle drug tests in Lowry Crossing, TX. These tests offer high accuracy when identifying substance use, providing dependable results quickly. This efficiency delivers peace of mind to both employers and individuals, ensuring timely decision-making based on reliable data.
Employers in Lowry Crossing, TX can enjoy compliance and peace of mind by utilizing hair follicle testing. This method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, reducing the risk of legal complications and promoting a safer work environment. Hair testing helps in maintaining standards and mitigating potential issues.
