Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers into the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When clipped near the scalp, hair can reveal up to roughly a 90-day period of drug and alcohol use detection. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to dispatch.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches of around 200 hair strands (approximately the girth of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for both preliminary screening and subsequent confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or over 10-panel tests, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is suggested. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be collected. When discussing head hair, we denote scalp hair only. Body hair includes any other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory process for creating a drug test result involves four principal steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial intake of a sample into the lab’s records. This process checks the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any ancillary data input not provided by the electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening is an economical strategy for excluding drug use for the majority of cases, any positive screening results must be substantiated to be valid in a legal context. Samples showing presumptive positives in Screening necessitate a confirmatory follow-up.
If a sample returns presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is collected from the initial sample for the Extraction process. This phase involves removing drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in alternative approaches (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most demanding methodology to execute.
Any positive outcomes from Screening are verified through methods like GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The complete lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is inspected under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guideline and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Generally called "hair follicle tests", the examination actually focuses on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Petersburg, TX
The benefits of hair follicle testing surpass those of traditional urine tests by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests identify a longer window of substance use, greatly minimizing instances of evasion. The advanced detection technology of hair testing provides unparalleled assurance, making it a favorable option for many institutions in Petersburg, TX.
Extended Detection Window in Petersburg, TX
Hair follicle testing stands out due to its ability to trace drug use over an extended period, reaching up to 90 days. This gives employers and other entities a thorough view of an individual's history with substances. By choosing hair testing, you obtain a comprehensive assessment that aids in informed decision-making concerning employees or applicants.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Petersburg, TX
Hair follicle tests offer significant protection against sample tampering, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of results. The methodology minimizes the risk of adulteration, providing results that are nearly impossible to question. This reliable quality is why many prefer hair testing as a secure option over other test types.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Petersburg, TX
Our convenient network of nationwide testing centers ensures easy and prompt access to hair follicle drug testing services. The widespread availability means individuals can undergo testing without unnecessary delays, guaranteeing a hassle-free experience for those in need of testing services in Petersburg and beyond.
Simple, Confidential Process in Petersburg, TX
The procedure for hair follicle testing is straightforward and respects user confidentiality. From ordering to testing and receiving results, each step is designed to be secure and user-friendly. This simplicity assuages privacy concerns, ensuring a seamless experience for users who prioritize discretion and ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Petersburg, TX
Our competitive pricing and quick result turnaround make hair follicle testing an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes. We ensure that our clients receive excellent value and timely feedback, fostering trust and satisfaction with pricing structures that fit various organizational budgets.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Petersburg, TX
Hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed, making them an excellent choice for substance use detection. The process is meticulously designed to ensure high accuracy levels, providing test results that are both swift and reliable. With hair testing, you can confidently rely on the findings to make informed decisions swiftly.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Petersburg, TX
Adopting hair follicle testing contributes to upholding drug-free workplace policies effectively. It reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety. By integrating hair testing in compliance procedures, employers gain peace of mind and a safer work environment, surpassing expectations for policy adherence.
