Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method in identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a detailed record of drugs and alcohol by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can provide insights into alcohol and drug use for up to a three-month period. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample consisting of 1.5 inches and approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields around 100mg, which is an ideal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or more than 10-panel tests, 150mg of hair is suggested. We advise measuring the hair sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test entails four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed into the lab's system. This step includes checking that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive results must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Samples testing presumptively positive in Screening need further confirmation.
When a sample shows a presumptively positive result during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most challenging methodologies.
The Confirmation process for any positive screening result utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The complete laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is verified under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Orange, TX, hair follicle testing stands out by offering significant benefits over urine tests.
Businesses in Orange benefit from utilizing hair testing as it reliably flags drug usage that urine tests may overlook.
Employers in Orange, TX find hair follicle testing invaluable because of its prolonged detection period, capturing substance use up to 90 days back.
This extensive detection capability is a definitive advantage in substance monitoring over other test types.
The hair follicle testing method employed in Orange, TX is notably tamper-resistant, greatly reducing risks associated with sample manipulation.
Adulteration concerns are effectively addressed, ensuring a trusted testing environment.
With locations spanning nationwide, including those in Orange, TX, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience.
This accessibility facilitates hassle-free testing across the board.
In Orange, TX, the hair testing process is simple and private, allowing clients confidence in their privacy throughout.
Such simplicity in each step underscores its user-friendly approach.
Accredited Drug Testing provides cost-effective pricing and quick turnaround in Orange, TX, delivering exceptional value.
These combined features enhance customer satisfaction across various sectors.
The advantage of hair follicle tests in Orange, TX is seen in their speed and accuracy in detecting substances.
People and businesses searching for reliable results consistently seek out hair follicle testing, valuing its impressive precision in uncovering substance use.
For Orange, TX employers, using hair follicle tests promotes compliance with drug-free policies, reducing liability and ensuring workplace safety.
Hair testing ensures businesses stay compliant, highlighting their commitment to safety and regulation.
