Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of drugs and alcohol by enclosing biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When obtained near the scalp, hair can indicate drug and alcohol presence for up to three months. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch lock of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for initial testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is absent, an equivalent amount of body hair may be gathered. References to head hair imply scalp hair specifically, whereas body hair encompasses other types like facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result consists of four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the sample's preliminary integration into a lab system. This phase includes ensuring the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry not automated by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening acts as an initial, swift evaluation for drug abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug consumption in most samples, a positive screen mandates confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that appear positive in Screening necessitate further verification.
Should a sample show presumptive positive results in the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than in other tests like urine or saliva, which is why hair drug testing poses the most difficulty.
Confirmation of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS techniques. Each presumptive positive sample undergoes washing before confirmation, when necessary. The complete process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle drug testing in Rayburn, TX offers significant advantages over traditional urine tests.
An exceptional aspect of hair follicle testing in Rayburn, TX is its elongated detection window.
Hair follicle tests deliver robust, tamper-resistant results in Rayburn, TX.
In Rayburn, TX, the accessibility of nationwide testing facilities underscores convenience in drug testing services.
Local centers offer easy entry to tests, providing a hassle-free solution for individuals and organizations alike.
The hair follicle testing process in Rayburn, TX is designed with simplicity and confidentiality in mind.
Offering competitive pricing and quick processing, our services in Rayburn, TX deliver tremendous value.
When it comes to drug testing in Rayburn, TX, the efficiency and correctness of hair follicle tests stand out. Precision is paramount, with hair tests providing a reliable assessment of substance use.
The accuracy of these tests ensures they detect evidence of drug consumption effectively.
Similarly, results are delivered rapidly, minimizing the waiting time and maximizing the workflow efficiency for businesses in the area.
For employers in Rayburn, TX, hair follicle testing assures adherence to drug-free workplace standards. Compliance is effortlessly maintained.
This method also promotes peace of mind, reducing potential legal challenges and contributing to a safer work environment.