Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When cut near the scalp, hair enables about a 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch portion of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional requests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair can be gathered. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing a drug test result encompass four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory system. It involves verifying the sample's seal and shipment integrity, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry not supplied by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for illegal substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug consumption for most samples, a positive screen must be verified to be considered valid in legal settings. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening require another confirmation step.
Should a sample test positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the original sample for preparation in the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that presumptively tested positive undergo a washing process before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined following the standards of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Pattison, TX, hair testing is ahead of urine testing by offering superior detection over time. Unlike urine tests that may miss long-term drug use, hair follicle tests cover up to 90 days, providing more comprehensive insights. This makes hair testing the preferred choice for enhancing workplace safety.
Detection reliability also sets hair testing apart. Hair samples offer a stable measure unaffected by recent lifestyle changes or even temporary abstinence, truly reflecting long-term habits.
Hair follicle drug testing in Pattison, TX presents a significant advantage with its extended detection window, identifying drug use up to 90 days back. This allows employers to gain a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance usage history.
This long detection range acts as a preventative measure, deterring drug use among employees while enabling employers to make informed hiring decisions based on a person's substance use track.
Hair follicle testing's tamper-resistant nature significantly curtails the chance of sample adulteration, offering unquestionable results in Pattison, TX. This method ensures testing integrity, as it's hard for individuals to alter the outcome compared to other testing methods.
Employers and legal entities favor hair testing as it provides a high level of reliability and authenticity, reducing the risk of false negatives or manipulations, ensuring accurate substance use assessments.
Our widespread testing network ensures convenient access to services in Pattison, TX as well as nationwide. Such availability facilitates quick, straightforward, and hassle-free testing experiences, prioritizing client satisfaction.
Local sites complement our vast network, guaranteeing accessibility and ensuring that testing services are delivered whenever and wherever needed, making it easy for businesses and individuals alike.
In Pattison, TX, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and private, addressing any privacy concerns. From ordering to testing, to receiving results, simplicity and confidentiality are paramount, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Our process respects individual privacy and simplifies the logistics of drug testing by providing clear steps and maintaining discretion throughout the entire procedure.
Our hair follicle testing in Pattison, TX offers competitive pricing, making it affordable for businesses of all sizes. Coupled with a fast turnaround, companies can leverage our services for both quality and value, ensuring efficient and cost-effective drug testing.
Affordable pricing and rapid results assist businesses in maintaining compliance and safety without compromising on reliability, offering unmatched service for the investment.
Hair follicle testing in Pattison, TX offers unparalleled speed and precision. It quickly identifies substance use with high accuracy, assuring reliable results. This testing method ensures definitive findings, minimizing discrepancies and providing a dependable tool for assessment.
Employers and families alike can trust this method for its quick turnaround times, keeping you informed with minimal waiting. The efficient process offers insights into substance use like no other testing method.
For employers in Pattison, TX, utilizing hair follicle testing reinforces compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates legal risks but also fosters a safer work environment, promoting employee well-being and productivity.
Such thorough testing results provide peace of mind for businesses, ensuring a drug-free environment and helping them maintain a reputable organizational standard while reducing potential liabilities.