Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs, capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. Collected near the scalp, it can reveal up to a roughly 3-month detection period for alcohol and other substances. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and simple to dispatch.
A strand sample of about 1.5 inches comprising 200 hair strands (comparable to the girth of a #2 pencil) closest to the head provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels above 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. It's advised to weigh the sample with a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically address scalp hair. Body hair includes all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the preliminary processing of a sample into the lab's system. This entails confirming the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial rapid evaluation for the presence of drugs. While Screening offers an economical approach to ruling out drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must be corroborated to be valid in a court of law. Presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. At this point, drugs are drawn from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is done through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as deemed necessary. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While popularly termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment itself pertains to the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing drug testing methods, hair follicle testing excels in several ways over traditional urine tests. Richards, TX sees the use of hair testing as superior due to its ability to detect substances that might be missed by urine tests. The precision and depth of the analysis provide a more thorough understanding of an individual's substance use.
One of the critical advantages of hair follicle testing in Richards, TX is its extended detection window. Unlike other methods, it can detect drug use for up to 90 days, giving employers a more comprehensive insight into an individual's substance history and ensuring a clearer understanding of their habits.
Hair follicle testing is recognized for its tamper-resistant nature in Richards, TX. By significantly reducing the risk of sample adulteration, it delivers reliable results that are difficult to contest, ensuring a trustworthy outcome that stakeholders can depend on.
The convenience of having nationwide and local locations, like those in Richards, TX, ensures that hair follicle drug testing is easily accessible. Quick and hassle-free access to our testing services makes compliance simpler for all involved parties and removes logistical challenges.
The process for hair follicle testing in Richards, TX is simple and confidential. With an easy-to-follow procedure for ordering, testing, and receiving results, it addresses privacy concerns while ensuring ease of use. This ensures maximum comfort for all clients.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Richards, TX provides excellent value. The affordability combined with the swift delivery of results makes it a cost-effective solution for companies looking to secure their investment in workplace safety.
Providing fast, accurate, and reliable results, hair follicle drug testing in Richards, TX is unparalleled. The test's precision in detecting a wide range of substances ensures that companies receive the most accurate data possible, making it a preferred choice for those requiring reliable testing solutions.
Employers in Richards, TX gain peace of mind through compliant drug testing with hair follicle methods. By aligning with workplace drug-free policies, it not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall safety, making it an essential tool for modern workplaces.
