Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term history of substance use due to biomarkers being embedded within the hair shaft. When hair is collected near the scalp, it provides a detection period of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair sampling is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of approximately 200 hair strands, comparable in size to a #2 pencil, is sufficient for the ideal 100mg sample needed for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler's scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a similar amount of body hair can be used instead. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other types (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory process comprises four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is introduced into the lab's system. This phase involves checking that the sample was securely sealed and properly sent, assigning it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any other necessary data absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation for the presence of substances. Though cost-effective, a positive result from Screening must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Hence, any sample indicating a potential positive must undergo further Confirmation.
If the Screening phase suggests a positive result, more hair is extracted from the original batch for the Extraction stage. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), explaining why hair drug screening is the hardest to perform.
Any positively screened samples undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. If needed, samples are washed before confirmation as well. The lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized following both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair shaft rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Purves, TX, hair follicle testing is preferred to urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities and accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle testing provides a more comprehensive analysis, ensuring reliability in identifying substance use.
Located in Purves, TX, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, up to 90 days, unlike other testing methods. This extensive period allows employers to gain a clear and thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's drug use history, supporting informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in Purves, TX offers a tamper-resistant solution, significantly lowering the possibility of sample manipulation. With a secure process in place, clients can trust the results are both authentic and straightforward, ensuring integrity in every test conducted.
With testing facilities available nationwide and locally in Purves, TX, Accredited Drug Testing provides convenient access for anyone needing services. This network ensures a streamlined experience, with quick and hassle-free testing processes for all clients.
The testing process in Purves, TX is straightforward and private. From ordering to results, confidentiality is upheld, meeting the highest standards of privacy and ease. Clients can rest assured in knowing their information is secure and their needs addressed seamlessly.
In Purves, TX, Accredited Drug Testing offers economical pricing paired with swift result delivery. Our competitive structure provides great value for businesses across sizes, ensuring they achieve peace of mind without stretching resources.
Hair follicle testing in Purves, TX is renowned for its speed and accuracy. The rapid processing ensures prompt results, helping individuals and companies to make informed decisions quickly. This testing method is highly esteemed for accurately identifying substances, making it an essential tool for varied needs.
For employers in Purves, TX, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies. By minimizing legal exposures and enhancing safety, businesses can foster a more secure and responsible work environment, prioritizing both health and lawfulness.