Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as an effective means for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and substances by enclosing biomarkers in the strands as they grow. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection span for alcohol and drugs of up to three months approximately. Hair is straightforward to gather, somewhat resistant to tampering, and simple to dispatch.
A specimen of 1.5 inches in length, consisting of around 200 hair strands (around the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp, will provide 100mg of hair, which is the perfect amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or analyses beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is recommended to measure the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair may be collected. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary procedures involved in processing a drug test result in a lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and dispatched correctly, allocates a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data input not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. While being a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage for the majority of samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be valid in a legal context. Any samples found to have a presumptive positive result in Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
Should a sample display a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is removed from the original sample to prepare for Extraction. In this process, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), thereby making hair drug testing the most challenging method to implement.
Confirmation of any positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis targets the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp
In Old River, TX, hair follicle testing has overtaken traditional urine tests in several key aspects. Superior detection accuracy and reliability make it the preferred choice for those requiring definitive results. Unlike urine tests, hair tests provide a more comprehensive picture of an individual's substance history.
Traditional urine tests often miss drug use in extended periods, whereas hair tests offer a longer detection window. Employers and legal entities favor hair testing as it reduces chances of circumvention and enhances confidence in the outcomes.
The enduring detection window offered by hair follicle testing in Old River, TX, is a pivotal advantage over other methods. Capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests deliver thorough insights into an individual's history, which is invaluable for employers evaluating potential hires.
Employers gain a holistic understanding of an applicant's or employee's substance use patterns. This extended window enhances decision-making by offering a more comprehensive view than a limited timeframe test, granting greater assurance of a drug-free workplace.
Hair follicle testing in Old River, TX, offers an exceptional level of security against sample tampering. The integrity of the test is upheld by its very nature, making it difficult to adulterate, unlike some other methods. This robust feature ensures credible and trustworthy results.
The nearly tamper-proof feature of hair testing deters sample adulteration attempts, maintaining a high standard of reliability. Employers and legal bodies can trust these results with confidence, knowing they reflect an accurate representation of the individual's drug use history.
With convenient testing locations in Old River, TX, and nationwide, accessing hair follicle testing is quick and hassle-free. Our wide network ensures that individuals or employers can find a center nearby, making the process easier for everyone involved.
Whether seeking personal testing or employer-mandated screenings, our widespread locations provide ease and accessibility. This means less time traveling and more time focused on what matters most — obtaining accurate results promptly and efficiently.
The hair follicle testing process in Old River, TX, is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to taking tests, and obtaining results, the approach prioritizes ease and privacy, addressing any concerns about confidentiality effectively.
Our streamlined process ensures that individuals feel comfortable and assured in the knowledge that their personal information remains private. Simultaneously, the ease of the procedure encourages compliance and smooth participation without unnecessary complications.
Old River, TX, boasts competitive pricing for hair follicle testing, ensuring it remains affordable for companies of all sizes. The quick turnaround time further adds value, making it an attractive option for businesses keen on maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Timely results enhance the value of the service, providing peace of mind with a speed that doesn't compromise quality. The cost-effective nature of this testing method is key in ensuring that a wide range of organizations can benefit without financial strain.
Hair follicle drug testing in Old River, TX, promises swift and accurate results, setting a benchmark for precision. Its high detection accuracy makes it a reliable choice for those seeking to ascertain substance use. The structured process assures timely and dependable results right when they're needed.
Employers and individuals benefit significantly from the speed and accuracy that hair follicle tests offer. Reduced wait times ensure that decisions related to employment or legal requirements can be made without undue delay, bolstering confidence in the process.
Employers in Old River, TX, find assurance with hair follicle testing, aligning with workplace drug-free policies effectively. This method reduces legal risks and enhances workplace safety, meeting compliance standards and providing peace of mind.
Using hair tests, businesses ensure that they are maintaining their commitment to a drug-free environment. Such compliance not only fosters a safer workplace but also limits potential liabilities, offering an environment of trust and security for all employees.
