Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments are now viewed as a potent method for detecting substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-standing record of alcohol and narcotic substances by capturing biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair can offer roughly a 3-month window for tracking alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair samples is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp will yield 100mg, the ideal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or evaluations over 10 panels, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. It's recommended to use a jeweler's scale for specimen measurement. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent amount of body hair is an option. By head hair, we mean solely scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four principal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the sample's initial integration into the lab's framework. This step ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry missing from an electronic custody framework.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug usage in most cases, any positive findings require validation for court acceptance. Samples deemed presumptive positives during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is sourced from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thus making hair drug tests among the most intricate to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory workflow is inspected per both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
In McQueeney, TX, hair follicle testing outperforms urine testing in many aspects. Not only does it offer superior detection accuracy, but it also provides a high level of reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can unveil drug use over an extended duration, leaving minimal room for evasion.
Employers in McQueeney, TX, prefer hair follicle testing for its ability to detect drug use over a longer period, typically up to 90 days. This extended detection window provides a more comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, proving invaluable during the hiring or monitoring process.
Hair follicle tests in McQueeney, TX, minimize the risk of tampering, ensuring sample integrity. This rigorous testing method offers reliable and unquestionable results, making it an excellent choice for accurate substance use detection and reducing adulteration risks.
Our extensive network of testing locations, including McQueeney, TX, ensures that clients have quick and convenient access to hair follicle testing services. Nationwide centers provide hassle-free testing experiences, ensuring accessibility no matter where you are.
In McQueeney, TX, the hair follicle testing process is simple and confidential. From ordering the test to taking it and receiving results, the process ensures privacy, easing the concerns of individuals and companies alike.
McQueeney, TX, enjoys competitive pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. This affords companies of all sizes excellent value and efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice without compromising on the quality and speed of results.
Hair follicle drug tests in McQueeney, TX, offer fast and accurate results, making them a top choice for detecting substance use. This testing method provides high precision, ensuring that the results are reliable and trusted.
For employers in McQueeney, TX, hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free policies, offering peace of mind. This testing method aids in maintaining workplace safety, reducing legal challenges and ensuring adherence to company policies.
