Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now perceived as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged record of alcohol and drugs by encasing biomarkers within the expanding hair fibers. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to alter, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) from the scalp area provides 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels beyond 10, 150mg of the specimen is advised. We suggest weighing the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not an option, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing drug test results involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial incorporation of a sample into the lab's system. This step involves confirming the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input not included by an electronic chain of custody process.
Screening provides an initial swift assessment for substance abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in a legal setting. Any samples that test as presumptive positives during Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), hence hair drug testing is the most complex method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening findings is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes scrutiny under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in North Coryell, TX
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine analysis with its superior detection precision and reliability. In North Coryell, TX, this method offers a broader detection window, capturing substance use over 90 days compared to urine's shorter timeframe. This creates a comprehensive view of an individual’s drug history, enhancing trust and accuracy, pivotal for workplaces with stringent drug-free policies.
Extended Detection Window in North Coryell, TX
One significant advantage of hair follicle testing in North Coryell, TX, is its capacity to reveal substance use over a 90-day duration, unlike other methods. This extended window provides employers with a thorough insight into an individual's drug history, crucial for making informed decisions. With hair testing, it’s easier to monitor long-term substance patterns, ensuring accountability and safety in various settings.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in North Coryell, TX
Hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant solution, significantly minimizing the likelihood of sample fraud. In North Coryell, TX, the tests are performed under controlled conditions, which deters attempts to manipulate results, ensuring credibility. This robust method provides irrefutable outcomes, giving employers the confidence that the test's integrity is preserved throughout the process.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in North Coryell, TX
Our network of testing centers across North Coryell, TX, and beyond ensures easy access to hair follicle testing services. This convenience means individuals and employers alike can benefit from hassle-free appointments, knowing that timely and efficient service is just around the corner, nationwide. Such widespread availability streamlines the testing process.
Simple, Confidential Process in North Coryell, TX
The process of hair follicle testing in North Coryell, TX is straightforward and protects client confidentiality. From placing an order, undergoing testing, to receiving results, every step is designed to ensure user privacy and simplicity. Commitment to these values alleviates concerns surrounding privacy and enables a comfortable testing experience for everyone involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in North Coryell, TX
Hair follicle testing in North Coryell, TX is accessible with competitive pricing and quick result turnover. Employers of varying scales can appreciate the value provided, balancing cost-effectiveness with speedy and trustworthy drug screening outcomes. This advantage ensures businesses can enforce drug-free policies economically and efficiently, maximizing their operational value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in North Coryell, TX
Hair follicle testing is renowned for delivering rapid and precise results. The method's high accuracy in identifying substance use is unparalleled, providing outcomes that employers and individuals can trust. In North Coryell, TX, this test ensures that every participant receives findings they can confidently rely on, making it a preferred choice for timely and trustworthy drug detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in North Coryell, TX
Utilizing hair follicle tests in North Coryell, TX guarantees employer compliance with workplace drug-free standards, mitigates legal vulnerabilities, and fosters a secure work environment. This dependable testing method provides peace of mind, as employers are assured that their policies are upheld, and workplace efficiency and safety are maintained without legal complications.
