Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses are now recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair archives long-term details of alcohol and drug intake by securing biomarkers within its fibers during growth. When extracted near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other drugs. It is straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, with about 200 hairs (akin to the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen weighing 150mg is advised. The use of a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is recommended. In situations where scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be taken. The term head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug testing procedure in the lab includes four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial phase where a sample gets processed into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample's seal and shipment were intact, allocates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entries absent in an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening serves as an initial rapid assessment for drugs. Although Screening is an economical approach to exclude drug presence in most samples, a positive indication needs further validation to be legally admissible. Samples with alleged positive results in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample show presumptive positivity in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. This phase retrieves drugs from hair at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the challenge of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Every sample with presumptive positivity undergoes washing before any required affirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the criteria of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the focus is on analyzing the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in O'Donnell, TX
In terms of drug detection accuracy and reliability, hair follicle testing stands out. Compared to traditional urine tests, hair analysis captures a broader timeline of substance use, offering more comprehensive insights.
Employers in O'Donnell, TX who adopt hair testing benefit from a longer detection period, ensuring stricter compliance with drug policies and minimizing the risks associated with inadequate testing.
Extended Detection Window in O'Donnell, TX
Hair follicle testing offers an extended drug detection window of up to 90 days. This advantage provides employers in O'Donnell, TX a thorough overview of an individual's substance usage history.
Such comprehensive data helps employers make informed decisions regarding potential hires or current employees, enhancing workplace safety and productivity.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in O'Donnell, TX
The integrity of hair follicle tests significantly diminishes the chances of sample adulteration. In O'Donnell, TX, this ensures that results remain reliable and undisputed.
By choosing hair follicle testing, organizations can trust the results, safeguarding against manipulated outcomes and maintaining unequivocal data for assessments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in O'Donnell, TX
Accessing hair follicle testing is simplified with numerous nationwide centers, including those serving O'Donnell, TX. This ensures quick and hassle-free service availability.
Whether for a company requirement or personal need, the strategic placement of testing locations guarantees accessibility and efficiency, streamlining the testing process.
Simple, Confidential Process in O'Donnell, TX
Engage in hair follicle testing through a straightforward and confidential approach available in O'Donnell, TX. Our seamless processes ensure privacy at every stage, from ordering to results receipt.
Designed with ease of use in mind, our customer-centric approach addresses concerns of confidentiality, assuring all stakeholders of secure handling of their sensitive data.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in O'Donnell, TX
Offering competitive pricing, hair follicle testing in O'Donnell, TX delivers extraordinary value. Companies can enjoy rapid turnaround times without compromising quality.
Our commitment to cost-efficiency ensures enterprises of all sizes receive top-notch service, providing peace of mind through economically accessible testing solutions.
Hair follicle drug testing in O'Donnell, TX offers unparalleled precision and speed. The accuracy of detecting illicit substance use is unmatched, making it a reliable option for those seeking exact and rapid results.
Collecting hair samples ensures a streamlined process that does not compromise on details. In O'Donnell, TX, results are delivered swiftly, serving stakeholders who prioritize both speed and accuracy in testing.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in O'Donnell, TX
Employers in O'Donnell, TX find compliance with drug-free workplace policies enhanced through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal risks while bolstering workplace safety.
Having a dependable testing framework ensures that organizations can focus on core activities with the peace of mind that employees adhere to mandated guidelines.