Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers within the hair shaft, hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs. Testing hair close to the scalp can reveal substance use over a span of up to three months. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands (similar in thickness to a #2 pencil) near the scalp, amounts to around 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. It is important to note that head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses other types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test outcome involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing within the lab’s system, which includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any necessary data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid test for detecting drugs. While it serves as an economical approach to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive screening outcome must be confirmed to hold in legal contexts. Samples that yield a presumptively positive result require subsequent confirmation.
In cases of positive screening results, additional hair from the original sample is prepared for Extraction. In this procedure, the drugs are isolated from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those in alternate methods (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most complex approach to execute.
Confirmation of any screening positives is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. For all presumptive positive samples, washing is performed prior to confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is subject to review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair approval and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While typically called "hair follicle tests", the procedure actually examines the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Hair follicle tests in Morgan Mill, TX, offer substantial advantages over traditional urine tests. These tests provide exceptional detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a broad timeline of substance intake that urine tests can miss. With far-reaching detection capacity, they present a more robust option for drug screening requirements.
In Morgan Mill, TX, the hair follicle drug test is highly esteemed for its extended detection capability, covering up to 90 days of substance use history. Employers gain valuable insights into an individual's substance use habits, allowing for a more thorough assessment beyond the narrower detection window of other tests.
With a focus on reliability, hair follicle testing in Morgan Mill, TX, notably diminishes the likelihood of sample adulteration. These tests boast results free from manipulation attempts, providing indisputable assurance of their accuracy.
Convenience is at the forefront in Morgan Mill, TX, with Accredited Drug Testing's extensive nationwide network of testing centers. This accessibility ensures swift, effortless, and seamless access to essential testing services, making the process hassle-free for all involved.
In Morgan Mill, TX, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential, addressing privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. Ordering tests, undergoing testing, and receiving results have been simplified to protect privacy and streamline convenience.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Morgan Mill, TX, provides excellent value for companies of any size. These benefits reinforce peace of mind while delivering a balance of affordability and efficiency.
In Morgan Mill, TX, hair follicle drug tests outstrip others in speed, precision, and reliability. These tests offer an outstanding level of accuracy when it comes to identifying substance use. Their precision ensures that results can be relied upon, providing a comprehensive view into substance habits over a lengthy period.
Employers in Morgan Mill, TX, favor hair follicle testing for promoting compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This testing method reduces legal vulnerabilities and enhances occupational safety, delivering peace of mind and a secure work environment.