Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a historical record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. A sample taken close to the scalp can offer nearly a three-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to have 150mg of the sample. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable amount of body hair may be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in laboratory processing of drug test results include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial sample processing into a lab's system. This process entails verifying proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any further data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid assessment for potential substance abuse. Although Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use for most samples, positive screens must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples that show presumptive positivity during Screening require additional confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), accentuating the complexity of hair drug screening methodology.
Verification of any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Necessary washing of all presumptive positive samples occurs prior to confirmation. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is audited under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Millers Cove, TX
Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests. With a longer detection window, they ensure reliable results that traditional urine tests may miss, providing a clear advantage for employers and professionals concerned with drug use history.
Extended Drug Detection in Millers Cove, TX
Unlike conventional methods, hair follicle tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days. This extended detection period allows employers in Millers Cove to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance use over time, rather than only focusing on recent usage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Techniques in Millers Cove, TX
Hair follicle tests provide a robust testing method resistant to tampering. The difficulty in altering samples ensures that results remain uncontested, offering peace of mind to those who require dependable drug testing every time.
Accessible Testing Facilities in Millers Cove, TX
With our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, accessing necessary testing services is convenient and straightforward. Local availability ensures that residents and businesses in Millers Cove, TX, benefit from hassle-free and prompt testing.
Easy and Confidential Processes in Millers Cove, TX
Our testing process is designed for simplicity and privacy. From ordering to receiving results, each step is confidential, ensuring that users feel secure and their privacy remains protected throughout their testing journey.
Economical and Quick Solutions in Millers Cove, TX
Our competitive pricing and fast turnaround times set us apart in the industry. Clients can appreciate exceptional value for money while benefitting from quick, reliable results that suit companies of all sizes in Millers Cove.
Fast and Reliable Results in Millers Cove, TX
Hair follicle drug tests offer swift and precise results, allowing for rapid assessment of substance use. The high accuracy of these tests ensures that any presence of drugs is detected efficiently, providing trustworthy results that institutions and individuals in Millers Cove can depend upon.
Security and Compliance in Millers Cove, TX
By incorporating hair follicle testing, employers align with drug-free policies and mitigate legal issues. This testing method supports a safer working environment by confirming compliance and offering peace of mind regarding substance use in the workplace.
