Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term indicators of alcohol and drug use by capturing biomarkers within the fiber of the hair strand as it grows. When gathered close to the scalp, hair samples can provide a detection window of roughly three months for both alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches or about 200 hair strands (approximately the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg, an optimal quantity for testing and confirmation. For EtG and additional tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advisable. It’s advised to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step of inputting a sample into a laboratory’s system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screening result must be confirmed for court competency. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening will need further confirmation.
In situations where samples show presumptive positivity in Screening, more hair from the initial sample is extracted and prepped for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screen results is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is often used, but the test evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Old Ocean, TX. Hair testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. It provides a comprehensive overview of substance history, minimizing the risk of false negatives. Benefiting from a longer detection window, hair tests ensure better policy compliance and peace of mind for employers.
Extended Detection Window in Old Ocean, TX. With the capability to detect drug use over an extended period of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests offer a broad perspective on an individual's substance habits. This extended window helps employers gain a thorough understanding of a person’s drug history, supporting informed hiring and monitoring processes.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Old Ocean, TX. Hair follicle testing offers a rigorous defense against sample tampering. The method significantly minimizes adulteration risks, ensuring that results remain authentic and trustworthy. This reliability secures employer confidence in maintaining a drug-free workplace environment.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Old Ocean, TX. Our widespread network of testing centers offers unmatched accessibility. We ensure smooth and swift service delivery, making it easy for clients to reach testing facilities nationwide, reducing travel time, and enhancing user convenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Old Ocean, TX. The process of ordering, taking, and receiving test results is both streamlined and discreet. We prioritize privacy, guaranteeing that clients experience an easy, confidential path from start to finish. This assurance covers concerns regarding the sensitivity of personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Old Ocean, TX. We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing coupled with quick turnaround times. Businesses of any size gain excellent value, securing significant financial and operational benefits, while enjoying the reassurance of rapid and accurate testing results.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Old Ocean, TX. Hair follicle testing stands as a paragon of precision and speed. It delivers results with remarkable accuracy, ensuring substance use is detected efficiently. This reliability fortifies workplace safety, confirming compliance with drug-free policies, and providing employers with the timely results they need to make informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Old Ocean, TX. Utilizing hair follicle tests ensures rigid adherence to workplace drug policies, fostering a secure and meet legal obligations. This testing method reduces legal exposure, providing employers with the assurance that their workforce aligns with safety and compliance standards.
