Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a valuable means of detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of hair strands capture biomarkers, allowing for a comprehensive history of substance use over time. By using hair collected close to the scalp, it is possible to achieve a detection timeframe of up to approximately three months for substances such as alcohol. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively secure from tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch section consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides a 100mg sample, ideal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding ten substances, a sample of 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is insufficient, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. Reference to head hair pertains solely to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary stages in laboratory processing of a drug test result involve Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This involves verifying that the sample was correctly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial assessment for substances of concern. Though cost-effective for eliminating drug presence in many samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples preliminarily positive during Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample test preliminarily positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Here, substances are extracted from hair at notably lower concentrations than seen in alternative methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug screening a challenging process to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result employs methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo cleansing prior to confirmation as necessary. The entire laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the popular term "hair follicle tests", these tests evaluate the hair strand itself rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Peacock, TX, surpasses urine tests by offering superior detection capabilities. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests can reveal substances consumed over a longer timeframe, ensuring more diligent monitoring and accurate histories for substance abuse assessments.
The hair follicle testing method in Peacock, TX, offers an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This capability gives employers a thorough view of current and past substance use behaviors of employees or applicants, which can aid in making informed decisions regarding workplace policies.
In Peacock, TX, the integrity of drug test results is critical, and hair follicle testing significantly minimizes sample tampering risks. This method provides highly reliable and definitive results, reducing any avenues for altering samples and ensuring trustworthy outcomes.
With convenient nationwide testing locations and local centers in Peacock, TX, accessing hair follicle tests is hassle-free. Our network ensures fast and easy testing processes for individuals and companies, proving both efficient and accessible for all users.
In Peacock, TX, ordering and completing a hair follicle test is designed to be simple and confidential. The process ensures the privacy of individuals while providing easy access to timely results, addressing any concerns effectively.
Companies in Peacock, TX, can take advantage of affordable pricing and fast turnaround times for hair follicle testing. Our competitive rates, coupled with speedy result delivery, provide excellent value and reassurance regardless of company size.
In Peacock, TX, hair follicle tests stand out for their speed and precision, offering reliable and timely detection of substance use. The methodology ensures that results are provided swiftly and with high accuracy, making it a preferred choice for those valuing quick and dependable feedback.
Employers in Peacock, TX, benefit from hair follicle testing by maintaining compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This testing method reduces legal risks, supports a safer work environment, and contributes to the overall peace of mind by ensuring policy adherence.
