Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term substance history by embedding markers within the substance of the hair as it grows. When clipped near the scalp, hair samples can reveal up to around a 90-day period of substance use. Hair collection is uncomplicated, challenging to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
Gathering a 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 hairs (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp results in 100mg of hair, which is optimal for screenings and verifications. For EtG, additional tests, and/or examinations beyond a 10-panel scope, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement of the specimen is suggested. If scalp hair can't be obtained, a comparable volume of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. All other types (facial, axillary, etc.) are classified as body hair.
Process Overview
The key phases in the lab processing of drug test outcomes include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the introductory handling of a specimen within a lab's framework. This phase encompasses confirming that the specimen was properly sealed and dispatched, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic custody documentation system.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid evaluation for substance misuse. While Screening is an economical approach for excluding substance use in most cases, a conclusive positive screen is essential for legal acceptability. Samples that are possibly positive during Screening necessitate secondary verification.
For samples suspected of being positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are removed from the hair at minimal levels, which poses more challenges compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), underscoring the complexity of hair drug analysis.
Positive results in the Screening are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Pre-verification cleaning of all presumptive positive samples occurs as required. The completion of the lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Nixon, TX: Hair testing presents enhanced detection accuracy compared to urine tests, offering advantages in reliability. This superiority is particularly noticeable in the ability to unveil drug use over an extended period, which urine tests might not cover, making hair tests a top choice for a thorough assessment.
Extended Detection Window in Nixon, TX: Hair follicle tests give insights into drug use for up to 90 days, providing a full view of an individual's substance use history. This extended timeframe is crucial for employers seeking comprehensive knowledge of their employees or applicants, ensuring a drug-free workplace.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Nixon, TX: Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample tampering, offering reliable and conclusive results. Its resilience against adulteration makes it a trustworthy option for obtaining authentic results, assuring employers of its precision and dependability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Nixon, TX: With a broad network of testing facilities nationwide, accessing testing services is straightforward and hassle-free. Our local presence in Nixon ensures that individuals and employers alike can quickly and conveniently undertake necessary tests without delay.
Simple, Confidential Process in Nixon, TX: Our procedures ensure ease and privacy from test ordering to receiving results. Streamlining the testing process while addressing confidentiality concerns builds trust and enhances the user experience, keeping the focus on simplicity and discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Nixon, TX: Offering competitive pricing and swift result turnaround times, we ensure excellent value and peace of mind. Our services cater to businesses of all scales, delivering benefits that balance quality and cost-effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Nixon, TX: Hair follicle tests offer unparalleled precision and speed, accurately detecting substance use. They provide high levels of accuracy, making them a preferred choice for discerning substance use with assurance. The capability for rapid processing ensures timely results for employers and individuals in need.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Nixon, TX: Implementing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, diminishing legal complications and promoting safety. This method supports maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, benefitting both employers and employees.
