Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can provide a prolonged history of substance use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the hair as it grows. If taken close to the scalp, hair samples can offer up to roughly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil thickness) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments over 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't available, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other kinds of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory steps for processing a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially introduced into the lab system. This step encompasses checking that the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entry missing from the electronic chain of custody records.
Screening provides a quick preliminary test for drug abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result from Screening must be validated for court use. Any samples that test positive in the Screening stage must undergo a secondary confirmation.
When a sample is found to be presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. At this stage, drug compounds are extracted from hair where concentrations are much lower when compared to other testing methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging method to conduct.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positive results are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab procedure from Accessioning through to Confirmation is assessed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to the ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle itself.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Pecan Acres, TX:
In Pecan Acres, TX, hair follicle tests offer superior detection and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. They provide greater accuracy and a longer detection window, ensuring a comprehensive view of substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Pecan Acres, TX:
Hair follicle testing in Pecan Acres, TX provides an extended detection period of up to 90 days, offering a thorough overview of an individual’s drug use history, beyond that of conventional methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Pecan Acres, TX:
Significantly reducing the risk of sample tampering, hair follicle tests in Pecan Acres, TX deliver trustworthy and undeniable results, making them a preferred choice for accurate drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Pecan Acres, TX:
Our nationwide network, including local sites in Pecan Acres, TX, assures easy and straightforward access to testing services, streamlining the process for all involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Pecan Acres, TX:
The process for obtaining, conducting, and obtaining results from hair drug tests in Pecan Acres, TX is designed to be straightforward and confidential, ensuring user privacy and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Pecan Acres, TX:
Offering competitive pricing and swift result delivery, our services in Pecan Acres, TX provide exceptional value and prompt service for businesses of every size.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Pecan Acres, TX:
In Pecan Acres, TX, the precision and rapid results of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Providing high accuracy, these tests ensure reliable detection of substance use, giving confidence to those who rely on them.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Pecan Acres, TX:
Implementing hair follicle testing in Pecan Acres, TX enhances workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies, mitigating legal risks and reassuring employers.
