Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analyses have emerged as a significant method for identifying the usage of drugs and alcohol. Hair offers an extended history of drug and alcohol consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair shaft. When taken from near the scalp, hair can provide as much as a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, fairly resistant to tampering, and can be easily transported.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG testing, additional assessments, and/or testing over 10 panels, 150mg of the specimen is advised. It is recommended to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair may be acquired. In terms of head hair, it specifically indicates scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (e.g. facial, axillary).
Process Summary
The processing of a drug test in a lab encompasses four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s framework. This step includes confirming that the sample is appropriately sealed and dispatched, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. Despite being a cost-effective strategy for eliminating drug use in most specimens, confirmation is necessary for positive screens to be valid in legal settings. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening undergo further confirmation.
Should there be a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. Drugs are extracted from hair at lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging techniques.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques are used to confirm any initial positive screening result. All presumptively positive samples are cleansed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and is accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Pros of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair shaft and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ponder, TX
In Ponder, TX, hair follicle testing is preferred due to its capacity to deliver more accurate and reliable results compared to traditional urine tests. Hair testing's longer detection window and reduced potential for manipulation make it a superior evaluation method, ensuring that evidence of substance use is reliably captured.
Extended Detection Window in Ponder, TX
Hair follicle testing offers an expansive detection period, often up to 90 days, granting employers an in-depth perspective on the substance habits of both potential hires and current employees. This extended window allows for a broader understanding of an individual's substance history, ensuring informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ponder, TX
Hair follicle tests are renowned for their resistance to tampering, considerably diminishing the possibility of sample adulteration. This ensures that results remain trustworthy and undeniable, providing stakeholders with the confidence needed in evaluating substance use.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ponder, TX
Our widely accessible testing centers across the nation, alongside local facilities in Ponder, TX, ensure that your testing needs are met conveniently and swiftly. This widespread network delivers hassle-free service to all individuals requiring testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ponder, TX
The procedure for initiating, completing, and obtaining results from hair follicle tests is designed to be simple and confidential. This ensures that individuals have ease of use while maintaining privacy, addressing any concerns about the sensitivity of personal information.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ponder, TX
We offer competitive pricing structures and prompt result delivery, providing value to companies of all sizes. This approach ensures both cost-effectiveness and timely resolutions, granting peace of mind in managing drug testing needs efficiently.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ponder, TX
Our hair follicle drug tests boast precision and rapid results, ensuring quick and dependable identification of substance use. Compared to other methods, hair testing provides a higher level of accuracy, reducing the chance of false negatives or positives, thus making it a preferred choice for discerning the truth about an individual’s drug usage.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ponder, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers in Ponder, TX, uphold drug-free workplace policies, decreasing legal liabilities while improving safety. This testing method supports organizational compliance and delivers reassurance by clearly demonstrating a commitment to a drug-free environment.
