Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair analysis has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extensive history of alcohol and various drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can present up to nearly a 3-month period of identification for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, with about 200 hair strands (similar in width to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which serves as the optimal sample for testing and verification. For EtG, enhancements, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of body hair can be obtained. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair alludes to any other types of hair (facial, armpit, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages involved in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Verification.
Accessioning covers the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s records. This involves checking that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not supplied by an electronic custody system.
Screening pertains to an initial rapid assessment for substances of misuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug use in the majority of cases, a positive screen must be verified for legal admissibility. Samples showing a probable positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent verification.
If a sample shows a probable positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, substances are withdrawn from hair at a notably lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), which is why hair drug analysis is the most challenging method to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The whole lab procedure from Accessioning to Verification is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Benefits of Hair Testing Over Urine Testing: In Needville, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional methods by offering extended detection periods and unparalleled accuracy. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses capture a more comprehensive history of substance use, making them reliable and hard to deceive.
Employers opting for hair tests benefit from superior detection coverage, emphasizing security and precise substance history insights, thus reinforcing policy integrity.
Extended Detection Window: Hair follicle tests in Needville, TX, provide a drug use detection span of up to 90 days. This extended window allows employers to get a more detailed insight into an individual’s substance consumption patterns over time, a distinct advantage over shorter-term tests like urine.
This long-term view aids in comprehensive assessments of a subject’s history, supporting informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method: In Needville, TX, hair follicle tests are less susceptible to adulteration compared to urine samples. The collection process, along with their innate resistance to tampering, ensures that outcomes are both reliable and indisputable, thus enhancing trust in results.
This traditional method minimizes risk and boosts confidence in drug testing integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations: Accredited centers in Needville, TX, and nationwide make the hair follicle testing process hassle-free. Easily accessible, these locations guarantee swift service for both individuals and organizations, streamlining the testing procedure.
The widespread network allows for efficient test coordination and seamless implementation of testing protocols, offering convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process: Needville, TX, promotes a straightforward and private process for hair follicle testing. From order placement to results acquisition, the entire procedure is designed to prioritize user ease and confidentiality, addressing and minimizing privacy concerns efficiently.
This discreet process ensures that personal information remains secure throughout the testing period.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround: In Needville, TX, hair follicles drug tests are priced competitively, combining value with quick turnaround times. Companies, regardless of size, benefit from timely results and cost-effective solutions, reinforcing their investment.
These attributes deliver peace of mind, supported by efficient service delivery at every testing stage.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests offered in Needville, TX, ensure fast and accurate detection of substances. These tests are highly reliable, providing quick outcomes without compromising on quality, allowing for confident decision-making and turnaround efficiency.
Quick and Reliable: Hair tests not only deliver swift results but stand out for their accuracy in Needville, TX. This ensures that whether you're an employer or individual, the results are both timely and dependable.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers: Utilizing hair follicle testing in Needville, TX, helps businesses maintain compliance with workplace drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and bolstering workplace safety. It delivers reliable results, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards.
This testing type ensures both employer peace of mind and employee safety, fostering a secure working environment.
