Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now considered a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a record of alcohol and drug intake over time by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, up to a three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs is possible. Hair collection is uncomplicated, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches with approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp typically provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a recommendation of 150mg of the sample is given. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent amount of body hair might be used. When referencing head hair, it pertains solely to scalp hair. Meanwhile, body hair refers to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The leading steps in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially processing a sample into the laboratory’s system. This entails confirming that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any further data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a quick preliminary assessment for drugs. While Screening is an economical means to exclude drug presence in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples showing presumptive positivity in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is taken from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are extracted at considerably lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening results is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory course from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
The superiority of hair follicle testing over urine testing in Northwest Rockwall, TX lies in its comprehensive detection capability. Hair tests identify substance use over a longer timeframe—up to 90 days—providing a clearer picture of an individual's history. In contrast, urine tests cover shorter periods, making hair tests a more robust and thorough method for assessing long-term drug use.
In Northwest Rockwall, TX, hair follicle testing stands out for its extended detection window. Employers looking to evaluate an individual's drug use history rely on hair tests to reveal substance intake over the past 90 days. This extended window provides more comprehensive insights compared to urine tests, ensuring informed decisions are made regarding employee and applicant evaluations.
Hair follicle tests in Northwest Rockwall, TX are heralded for their tamper-resistant properties. By eliminating common issues of sample adulteration found in other test types, hair testing produces reliable and credible results. This method reduces the potential for deception, ensuring trustworthy results that stakeholders can depend on when assessing drug-free requirements.
Northwest Rockwall, TX benefits from the availability of convenient nationwide testing locations. Our extensive network ensures quick and hassle-free access to hair follicle testing services. Whether employees are local or traveling, they can readily access the nearest testing center, supporting seamless integration into workplace health and safety protocols.
The hair follicle testing process in Northwest Rockwall, TX is both simple and confidential. With straightforward procedures for ordering, conducting, and receiving results, clients' privacy concerns are addressed. This ease of use reassures participants, allowing them to confidently undergo testing while being assured of result confidentiality.
Offering affordable pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Northwest Rockwall, TX ensures excellent value for organizations of all sizes. Our competitive pricing models cater to various budgets, while fast results convey peace of mind and efficient resource allocation for both small businesses and large enterprises.
Hair follicle drug tests in Northwest Rockwall, TX offer fast, accurate results. Their precision in detecting substance use is unparalleled, ensuring reliable outcomes. Unlike other testing methods, hair tests can quickly confirm the presence of substances for a broad spectrum of drugs. This efficiency makes them an essential choice for those seeking trustworthy results with minimal wait times.
Employers in Northwest Rockwall, TX gain compliance and peace of mind through the use of hair follicle drug testing. This method supports adherence to drug-free workplace policies, significantly reducing legal liabilities. By ensuring a safe and compliant work environment, hair testing enhances overall workplace security, providing assurance for employers and employees alike.
