Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair assessments have gained recognition as a significant method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug biomarkers within the strands of developing hair. When procured from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of nearly three months for both alcohol and drug substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, moderately resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment equivalent to about 200 hair strands (roughly the width of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or testing exceeding 10 panels, a recommendation for a 150mg sample stands. It is suggested to utilize a jeweler’s scale to ascertain the sample’s weight. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent mass of body hair can be collected. References to head hair are specifically pointing to scalp hair, while body hair references encompass all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages in laboratory handling of drug testing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample is incorporated into a lab system. This entails ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening constitutes a preliminary inspection for substance misuse. Although Screening provides a cost-efficient route to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive initial result necessitates further validation for legal admissibility. Samples that indicate a presumptive positive in Screening demand additional confirmation.
If a specimen records a presumptive positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample for the Extraction stage. During Extraction, substances are removed from hair at notably lower concentration levels than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of conducting hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive Screening outcome is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every presumptive positive specimen undergoes cleansing before confirmation when deemed necessary. The entirety of the laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review conforming to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 benchmarks.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite commonly being dubbed "hair follicle tests", the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the underlying follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Mineral Wells, TX
Compared to traditional methods, hair follicle testing offers substantial advantages, especially in detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a comprehensive view of substance use history, making them the preferred choice for employers in Mineral Wells seeking a more robust drug testing method.
Extended Detection Window in Mineral Wells, TX
Hair follicle tests allow for the analysis of drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This offers employers in Mineral Wells a comprehensive outlook on an individual's substance use history, providing insights that surpass those of shorter-term tests like urine.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Mineral Wells, TX
Hair follicle testing is renowned for its tamper-resistant qualities, significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration. The method delivers reliable and unquestionable results, making it a trusted choice for precise drug testing in Mineral Wells.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Mineral Wells, TX
Accredited Drug Testing's vast network of nationwide centers ensures that individuals in Mineral Wells have easy access to drug testing services. Experience quick and hassle-free testing at local facilities dedicated to providing exceptional service.
Simple, Confidential Process in Mineral Wells, TX
Our testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, offering peace of mind for those concerned about privacy. From ordering to result receipt, every step is tailored to ensure ease of use for our clients in Mineral Wells.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Mineral Wells, TX
With competitive pricing structures and a commitment to fast turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing provides excellent value for businesses of all sizes in Mineral Wells. Enjoy affordable rates and quick results, ensuring your organization’s drug testing needs are met efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Mineral Wells, TX
In Mineral Wells, TX, hair follicle drug tests are unparalleled in delivering precision and rapid detection of substance use. With a focus on accuracy, these tests efficiently identify drug use, ensuring that results are both swift and dependable. Trust in the high reliability of hair tests for your drug testing needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Mineral Wells, TX
Employers in Mineral Wells who implement hair follicle testing ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal risks. This method contributes to enhanced workplace safety, offering peace of mind for both employers and employees.
