Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By embedding biomarkers in the growing hair fibers, hair reveals a comprehensive timeline of substance use. Collected near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, the preferred amount for evaluation and verification. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or panels beyond 10, a 150mg sample is suggested. We advise weighing the sample with a jeweler's scale. In the absence of head hair, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" refers specifically to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory stages of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is processed into the lab system. This involves confirming proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra entry not covered by an e-chain of custody.
Screening provides an initial quick analysis for substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient means to eliminate drug usage in most cases, a positive result must be confirmed for court validity. Any samples presumed positive during Screening require further verification.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are retrieved from hair at a lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly challenging.
Verification of any positive screening result occurs using techniques like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Merits of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although sometimes termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In New London, TX, hair follicle testing far surpasses conventional urine testing in several ways. The primary advantages include superior detection accuracy and reliability, which are crucial for employers, courts, and professionals dealing with substance abuse cases. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a longer window of detection, revealing drug usage patterns over a more extended period.
Employers in New London, TX, benefit from the extended detection period offered by hair follicle testing. This method uncovers drug use for up to 90 days, providing a detailed view into an applicant or employee's substance use history. Such comprehensive coverage aids in making informed decisions about potential hires and current employees.
Hair follicle tests implemented in New London, TX, are a tamper-resistant method, reducing the chances of sample contamination or adulteration. This feature guarantees reliable results, eliminating doubts about the sample's authenticity and ensuring that the findings are indisputable and trustworthy.
Our broad network of testing centers, available nationwide and in New London, TX, ensures you have convenient access to drug testing services. Quick, straightforward, and stress-free, our locations are strategically distributed for easy reach, making the entire testing process smooth and accessible.
In New London, TX, our hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private, ensuring peace of mind. The simplicity of ordering, undergoing the test, and receiving results is carefully designed to maintain confidentiality and ease of use, addressing any concerns about privacy and convenience.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, our hair follicle testing services in New London, TX, provide value beyond expectation. Regardless of your company's size, you can trust in our efficient processing and cost-effective solutions, delivering excellent service and peace of mind.
Hair follicle drug testing in New London, TX, provides fast, precise, and trustworthy results. This testing method stands out for its quick turnaround times and high accuracy levels in the detection of substance use. With state-of-the-art analysis technology, you can trust the results you're receiving, ensuring a credible assessment of any drug use history.
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace policies in New London, TX, ensures compliance with drug-free workplace standards. This method helps minimize legal vulnerabilities and augments workplace safety, offering peace of mind to employers concerned about maintaining a secure and compliant working environment.
