Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can offer up to about a three-month window for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to obtain, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If no scalp hair is available, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. Mention of head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes any other types of hair (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the laboratory’s system. It includes checking that the sample was securely sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input that isn't provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary check for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical method to exclude drug use for most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation to be valid in court. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive Screening result is conducted via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the complete laboratory process is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test actually examines the hair strand instead of the follicle underneath the scalp.
In Lufkin, TX, the advantages of hair follicle testing surpass traditional urine tests in significant ways.
Detection Accuracy: The method ensures superior accuracy and reliability, minimizing false positives.
Hair follicle testing in Lufkin, TX offers an extended period of substance use detection.
Detection Period: It provides a comprehensive view of an individual's history with drug use for up to 90 days.
The integrity of hair follicle tests in Lufkin, TX sets them apart as a tamper-resistant method.
Sample Integrity: This test dramatically reduces the risk of adulteration.
Convenience in testing across Lufkin, TX and nationwide ensures that hair follicle testing is accessible.
Convenient Access: Our test centers stand out for their locations and services.
The simple and confidential process for hair follicle testing in Lufkin, TX eases user concerns.
Simplicity and Confidentiality: The procedures are designed for ease and privacy.
Affordability and quick turnaround highlight our services in Lufkin, TX.
Competitive Pricing: Hair follicle testing offers value for any business size.
The precision of hair follicle drug tests makes them a preferred option in Lufkin, TX. They provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, ensuring substance use detection is precise.
Accuracy: Hair tests offer superior accuracy levels, pinpointing substance use with ease.
Employers in Lufkin, TX find compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing.
Workplace Safety: It ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies.
