Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by trapping chemical markers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to three months for drug and alcohol use. The collection of hair is straightforward, it is relatively resistant to tampering, and it can be easily transported.
A 1.5-inch segment containing approximately 200 strands of hair (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) from the area closest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional analyses, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale for weighing the specimen is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair is suitable for collection. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Key steps in processing a drug test result in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial placement of a sample into a laboratory's tracking system. This step includes verifying the sample's seal and proper shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not handled by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for drug presence. While Screening is a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive findings require further verification to be court-admissible. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positive results undergo washing before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the accreditation of ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," these assessments analyze the hair strand itself, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Lums Chapel, TX Hair testing surpasses traditional urine tests in terms of superior accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis can unveil a more comprehensive timeline of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Lums Chapel, TX With the ability to trace drug use over a span of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing provides employers with a detailed overview of an individual's substance history, which is instrumental in making informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Lums Chapel, TX Hair follicle tests significantly lower the probability of sample tampering, delivering results that are both reliable and beyond dispute. This method ensures the accuracy and integrity of the testing process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Lums Chapel, TX Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide provides easy access to services, making the process hassle-free and efficient for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Lums Chapel, TX The procedure of ordering, conducting, and obtaining results is straightforward and private, addressing any potential concerns surrounding confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Lums Chapel, TX We offer competitive pricing and rapid processing times, providing a valuable solution that meets the needs of diverse business sizes and ensures peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Lums Chapel, TX Hair follicle drug tests provide swift and precise outcomes, setting a high standard in substance detection. Their exceptional accuracy ensures efficient identification of any drug use, offering peace of mind for both employers and individuals.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Lums Chapel, TX Utilizing hair follicle testing aids in observing drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal liabilities and enhancing the overall safety environment for businesses.
