Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol use. Hair serves as a repository of alcohol and drug biomarkers by embedding them within the strands. When hair is collected near the scalp, it offers a detection timeframe of up to about three months for alcohol and drug usage. Hair collection is easy, resisting tampering, and shipping is straightforward.
A 1.5-inch hair sample containing roughly 200 strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp provides 100mg, which is ideal for testing and confirming results. For EtG tests, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg amount is optimal. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be insufficient, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. "Head hair" strictly refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes other types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The key stages in processing a drug test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning marks the start of sample integration into a lab system. This entails checking that the sample is properly sealed and sent, providing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing extra data input not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial rapid drug abuse check. Screening economically rules out drug use for most samples; however, to validate in court, a positive screen must undergo confirmation. Samples that are likely positive in Screening need a secondary confirmation.
If a sample is likely positive during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original to prep for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolate from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening a complex technique.
Confirmation of any potentially positive screen involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. All likely positive samples are cleaned prior to confirmation if needed. The full laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair specification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though often named "hair follicle tests", the examination focuses on the hair strand, not the scalp's follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Ramireno, TX
Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests. They offer an unmatched detection window, revealing substance use history up to 90 days prior, making it harder to evade detection.
Extended Detection Window in Ramireno, TX
Hair follicle tests offer the advantage of a lengthy detection window up to 90 days, giving employers a thorough assessment of an individual’s drug use history. This is critical for informed decision-making in workplaces.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Ramireno, TX
With hair follicle tests, the risk of sample tampering is significantly lowered, ensuring accurate and trustworthy results. Their robust process provides peace of mind for companies concerned about authenticity and reliability.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Ramireno, TX
Our widespread testing centers make accessing drug testing services quick and easy, allowing for seamless service in Ramireno and nationwide, aligning with your convenience needs effectively.
Simple, Confidential Process in Ramireno, TX
The streamlined process for ordering, administering, and reporting hair test results prioritizes confidentiality and ease, addressing concerns about privacy effectively.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Ramireno, TX
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times provide excellent value to companies of all sizes, ensuring budget-friendly and timely drug testing services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Ramireno, TX
The precision and quick turnaround of hair follicle drug tests make them a preferred choice in Ramireno. Their high accuracy ensures substance use detection is both reliable and timely, setting a benchmark for drug testing standards.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Ramireno, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps companies comply with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and improving overall workplace safety, offering employers peace of mind.
