Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. A sample taken close to the scalp offers a detection period of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other substances. Hair is easy to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
To obtain the optimal sample for assessment and verification, collect a 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yielding 100mg. For tests involving EtG, additional panels, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we specify scalp hair; body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning starts with incorporating a sample into the laboratory system. This process verifies that the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and addresses any additional data entry requirements not managed by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the initial swift evaluation for drugs of abuse. Though Screening offers a cost-efficient means of excluding drug use in most samples, a positive Screening result must be substantiated for legal acceptance. Samples that are presumed positive during Screening require further validation.
If Screening suggests a positive result, additional hair is obtained from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome occurs through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often titled "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Marble Falls, TX
For those in Marble Falls, TX, weighing drug testing options, hair follicle testing shows several advantages over traditional urine tests. With its superior detection accuracy, hair testing offers a reliable measurement of substance use history, which is invaluable for maintaining safety and compliance in various professional settings.
Extended Detection Window in Marble Falls, TX
The hair follicle drug test provides a longer detection period, up to 90 days, offering employers in Marble Falls, TX a thorough view of an individual’s substance use history. This extensive timeline helps in understanding applicants or employees’ past behaviors over a significant duration, aiding in better hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Marble Falls, TX
Hair follicle tests in Marble Falls, TX stand out for their tamper-resistant nature. By minimizing the risk of sample adulteration, these tests provide results that are not only accurate but unquestionable, ensuring trust in the process and outcomes.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Marble Falls, TX
Our testing centers spread across the nation and locally in Marble Falls, TX, provide ease and accessibility for drug testing needs. Quick, efficient, and hassle-free services are a hallmark that ensures clients can focus more on their core activities without undue stress over testing logistics.
Simple, Confidential Process in Marble Falls, TX
In Marble Falls, TX, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to taking the test and receiving results, every step is designed to protect clients' privacy, ensuring that the entire procedure is both discreet and user-friendly.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Marble Falls, TX
With competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Marble Falls, TX offers excellent value. This combination of affordability and speed meets the demands of businesses, ensuring that they receive the best service available across all sizes.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Marble Falls, TX
Hair follicle tests offer precision and quick turnaround in detecting substance use. Known for their high accuracy, these tests are essential for individuals and organizations needing reliable results. Their ability to identify a range of substances efficiently makes them a trusted choice in Marble Falls, TX.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Marble Falls, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing allows employers in Marble Falls, TX to better uphold drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall safety and compliance, offering a peace of mind that is critical in maintaining a productive work environment.
