Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a prolonged history of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When clipped close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a 3-month detection period for substances. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch snip comprising about 200 hairs (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG tests, additional panels above 10, or special assays, 150mg is advisable. It's best to weigh samples on a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent measure of body hair may be secured. When we talk about head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other types (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The processing of drug test results in a lab involves four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the introductory step of inserting a sample into the laboratory's system. This phase includes checking if the specimen was sealed and delivered accurately, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering extra data that isn’t available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the primary stage for detecting drugs. Although Screening is a budget-friendly approach to exclude substance use in most samples, any positive finding needs confirmation to qualify in legal proceedings. Samples with presumptive positives during Screening necessitate further validation.
When a sample hints positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other techniques (like urine or saliva), highlighting why hair drug testing is challenging.
All positive results in the Screening phase are verified using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples identified as presumptive positives undergo washing for confirmation when required. The whole procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, falls under both the oversight of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Typically labeled as "hair follicle tests", the examination relies on the hair strand instead of the scalp-bound follicle
In Minters Chapel, TX, hair follicle testing offers a clear advantage over traditional urine tests. Hair tests boast a longer detection period, capturing a wider window of substance use history, which is invaluable for thorough assessments.
Unlike urine tests, which are more susceptible to cheating, hair tests provide a tamper-proof method designed to uphold integrity and accuracy of results, ensuring robust and reliable drug detection.
Providing up to 90 days of substance use history, hair follicle testing in Minters Chapel, TX offers a comprehensive overview far beyond that of traditional testing methods. This extended window aids employers in gathering a full picture.
This ability to detect drug use over a prolonged period allows employers to make more informed decisions about their employees' histories, decreasing uncertainty.
The hair follicle test's design effectively minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring results remain indisputable. This method’s resistance to adulteration makes it a strong choice for maintaining testing integrity in Minters Chapel, TX.
This uncompromising approach to preventing manipulations or falsification guarantees reliable outcomes, essential for trustworthy drug testing protocols.
Accredited Drug Testing makes accessing testing services easy and convenient nationwide, including Minters Chapel, TX. Our widespread locations ensure individuals and employers can reach testing centers without hassle.
Local and nationwide centers provide quick and uncomplicated access to reliable testing services, ensuring smooth experiences throughout the process.
In Minters Chapel, TX, the process for hair follicle testing is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering to receiving results, every step assures users of their privacy.
This easily navigable process highlights the importance of confidentiality and user-friendliness, fostering trust through discretion and straightforward procedures.
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing structures in Minters Chapel, TX, facilitating cost-effective solutions for businesses. Our swift turnaround times enhance value and efficiency.
By providing affordable options and rapid results, we meet the financial and operational needs of companies, ensuring excellent service while maintaining budget-conscious practices.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Minters Chapel, TX are unmatched. These tests offer quick and reliable results that are crucial for making informed decisions when it comes to substance use detection.
With hair follicle tests, one can expect results that not only come swiftly but also maintain a high accuracy rate, pivotal for detecting a range of substances efficiently and effectively.
For employers aiming to comply with drug-free policies in Minters Chapel, TX, hair follicle testing provides peace of mind. It supports creating safer workplaces by helping to mitigate legal risks associated with employee drug use.
This method of testing aligns with stringent compliance needs, enhancing overall workplace safety while reducing potential legal entanglements through accurate and reliable detection.
