Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is widely recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When harvested near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of approximately three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 strands of hair, approximately the width of a #2 pencil, provides a 100mg sample, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. Measuring the specimen with a jeweler’s scale is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is permissible for collection. By "head hair," we specifically mean scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the laboratory system. This step involves ensuring the sample's seal and proper dispatch, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data input absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for signs of drug abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for admissibility in court. Samples with presumptive positives at the Screening stage necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary specimen for the Extraction step. At this juncture, drugs are extracted from hair at a lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes employs techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
Compared to traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability in Malvado, TX. The extensive detection window of hair testing provides a more comprehensive understanding of drug use, making it the preferred choice for employers and professionals seeking precise results.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Malvado, TX, allows for the identification of drug use over an extensive period, typically up to 90 days. This extended detection capability provides employers with a detailed view of an individual’s drug history, beyond the shorter detection periods of traditional methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
The robust structure of hair follicle tests considerably lessens the risk of sample tampering or adulteration in Malvado, TX. This method ensures reliable, uncontestable results that uphold the integrity of the testing process, offering peace of mind.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing makes hair follicle testing accessible with numerous testing centers nationwide and locally in Malvado, TX. This widespread network guarantees quick, straightforward service, eliminating the hassle and making the testing process seamless.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our hair follicle testing in Malvado, TX, involves an easy, confidential process from ordering to obtaining results. Privacy and usability are at the forefront, ensuring that each step safeguards confidential information while maintaining simplicity.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Competitive pricing and swift turnaround times define hair follicle testing services in Malvado, TX. Companies benefit from substantial value and the assurance of timely results, catering to businesses of various scales looking for cost-effective and efficient solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Malvado, TX, hair follicle drug testing stands out for its exceptional accuracy and quick, reliable results. The method's high precision in substance detection ensures that tests are not only speedy but also dependable, offering recipients and organizations assuredness in test outcomes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
In Malvado, TX, adopting hair follicle testing helps employers stay compliant with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing the potential for legal issues and enhancing overall workplace safety through accurate and dependable testing methods.
