Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand, hair offers a retrospective view of alcohol and drug use. A sample taken near the scalp affords a detection period of roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands, roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil's width, near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, add-ons, and/or more than 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, the same quantity of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "Body hair" includes all other types of hair (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in the laboratory processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a specimen into a lab's system, ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing missing data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to dismiss drug usage in most cases, a positive screen needs confirmation to be validated legally. Any samples considered presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is deemed presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Extraction. At this point, drugs are separated from hair at a significantly lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which positions hair drug screening as the most challenging method to execute.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under 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: The test commonly known as "hair follicle tests" actually analyzes the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
In Melody Hills, TX, hair follicle testing outshines customary urine tests. The major advantage of hair testing is its extended detection scope, reaching substances used up to 90 days prior, providing a clearer and more reliable picture of individual drug use compared to urine tests.
The accuracy of hair testing in spotting chronic use surpasses urine tests. Hair tests offer a profound insight into drug habits and can't be easily manipulated, unlike their urine counterparts.
Employers in Melody Hills, TX can take advantage of hair follicle tests for a wider detection window. This method exposes drug use over a period as long as 90 days, offering a fuller representation of an individual's drug history and ensuring a more informed hiring decision.
By catching substances over a prolonged time, hair testing proves invaluable for businesses and authorities requiring extensive insight into past drug consumption, making it a superior choice in employee assessments.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests reduces the likelihood of sample adulteration in Melody Hills, TX. With no easy way to alter samples, this testing assures credible, unshakeable outcomes that withstand scrutiny.
Hair tests are almost impervious to cheating compared to other testing methods. This quality holds importance for both companies and legal systems, ensuring conformity and honesty in drug testing.
Enjoy convenient access to comprehensive testing facilities nationwide, including local options in Melody Hills, TX. Our network ensures you can seamlessly obtain testing services, prioritizing both ease and efficiency.
The process in Melody Hills, TX for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private, assuring clients of quick and discreet service from start to finish. Results are delivered confidentially, reinforcing trust and ease of use.
The confidentiality involved in the testing process ensures discreet service, addressing clients' privacy concerns and making it a preferred choice.
In Melody Hills, TX, our hair follicle testing sets the standard with cost-effective pricing and fast turnaround times. We cater to businesses of all sizes, offering excellent value and prompt results.
Experience fast, accurate, and dependable testing with hair follicle drug tests in Melody Hills, TX. These tests provide a thorough analysis that swiftly detects traces of substance use with high precision. Their reliability makes them preferable for identifying drug use, providing results employers and legal authorities can trust.
The precision of hair follicle tests stands unmatched in finding substances within the human body. This is vital for distinguishing patterns of drug use and ensuring quick, conclusive results in Melody Hills, proving it's the best choice.
Hair follicle testing offers peace of mind for employers in Melody Hills, TX, ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By selecting this method, companies minimize legal risks and promote a secure, stable work environment.
The reliability of hair testing supports organizations in maintaining a safe, drug-free space, aligning with compliant industry standards and enhancing peace of mind.