Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and other substances by preserving biomarkers in the hair's evolving strands. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and straightforward to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both initial screening and confirmation. For EtG, extended panels, or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. Note, head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result primarily involves four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step where a sample is entered into the laboratory’s system. This includes confirming that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing further data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for drugs. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to largely rule out drug use, a positive result must be confirmed to be legally admissible. Any samples testing positive in Screening must have a follow-up confirmation.
If Screening indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than those used in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening poses the most challenge to perform.
For Confirmation, all positive screening results undergo GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS analysis. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The whole laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle under the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests in Progreso, TX. One key benefit is an expanded detection window, capturing substance use over a stretched period. This feature provides a broader perspective on an individual's history, unlike urine tests which primarily focus on recent use.
Compared to urine testing, hair testing also brings increased accuracy and reduced chances of sample tampering. By capturing traces of drug use for up to 90 days, hair follicle tests give a comprehensive overview of an individual’s substance involvement, ensuring more informed decisions for employers and authorities managing drug-related policies.
Hair follicle testing in Progreso, TX, excels with its extended detection timeframe, spanning up to 90 days. This vast window allows for a wider historical view of an individual's substance use, beyond what traditional methods cover. Employers appreciate this feature for gaining insights into an employee’s or candidate's long-term behavior.
The prolonged detection capacity of hair tests offers unmatched advantages for entities in Progreso seeking thorough reports on drug use. Extended monitoring aids in gauging consistent behavior patterns, essential for crucial hiring or legal decisions, ensuring comprehensive assessments over time.
Progreso, TX, greatly benefits from the tamper-resistant characteristics of hair follicle testing. This method dramatically reduces the risk of sample adulteration, offering certainty and trust in the results obtained. Sample integrity is paramount, hence the resilience of hair testing makes it particularly reliable.
Hair tests conduct a stringent collection and analysis process, ensuring that manipulation attempts are virtually impossible. This grants peace of mind with authentic and consistent results, crucial for environments where precision in drug testing is non-negotiable.
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide locations, including services in Progreso, TX, ensuring that tests are accessible and hassle-free. Their expansive network guarantees that individuals and companies can easily find a local facility for quick and efficient testing.
This wide testing availability reduces logistical challenges, making it simple for both employees and employers to find and utilize the nearest location. The presence of such a comprehensive network simplifies the process remarkably, ensuring prompt access to testing facilities when needed.
In Progreso, TX, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, this method prioritizes user privacy and ease of use, addressing common concerns effectively.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures a seamless journey from test setup through completion, with confidentiality being a cornerstone throughout the entire procedure. The simple process allows for peace of mind while guaranteeing that personal information remains secure and results are obtained efficiently.
In Progreso, TX, hair follicle testing by Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing paired with fast turnaround times, making it an economical choice. This blend of affordability and quick results delivers substantial value to businesses of various sizes.
Focusing on financial practicality without compromising quality, the service emerges as a leading option for firms considering cost-efficiency alongside superior testing standards. Accredited Drug Testing's dedication to timely and economic solutions supports enterprises in maintaining their operational budgets.
The precision and rapid response times of hair follicle drug tests in Progreso, TX, are unmatched. With their high accuracy and ability to quickly detect substance presence, these tests stand out in the realm of drug testing. Professionals rely on them for providing reliable outcomes, imperative for maintaining safe and compliant environments.
In Progreso, the efficiency of hair follicle testing ensures swift completion and dependable results. This makes it a preferred choice for individuals and organizations seeking to confirm substance use with remarkable accuracy. The speed at which tests are conducted and results delivered can be crucial in several scenarios, enhancing the value of hair testing processes.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Progreso, TX, equips employers with the compliance necessary to adhere to stringent drug-free workplace policies. This not only mitigates potential legal challenges but also promotes a safer working environment for all employees.
Such robust testing methods ensure adherence to industry standards, expanding beyond just legal compliance to nurturing a trustworthy and secure workplace culture. Employers gain peace of mind knowing they're upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance for their teams in Progreso.
