Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures biomarkers in the strands as they grow, providing a long-term history of alcohol and drug use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol consumption over a 3-month period. Hair is straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch length from about 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the perfect amount for evaluation and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measuring the sample is recommended. If scalp hair isn't accessible, the equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. The term head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s framework. This step verifies the proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performs any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary swift examination for substance abuse. Though Screening serves as an economical means to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation to be admissible in legal proceedings. Samples presumed positive during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
When a sample shows presumptive positivity in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial specimen and prepared for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all samples with presumptive positive results are cleansed as necessary. The entire laboratory progression from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredited to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis specifically targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Rockwall, TX is evident through superior detection and reliability. Hair tests provide a longer detection timeframe up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which are effective for recent use detection. Employers, judicial entities, and rehab professionals favor them due to high accuracy and the inability to tamper with the results, making them invaluable for zero-tolerance settings.
Extended Detection Window in Rockwall, TX is one of the critical advantages of hair follicle testing. Where traditional tests might fall short, hair tests reveal substance use history for up to three months. This enables employers to gain in-depth insights into the behavioral patterns of their staff or job candidates, supporting informed decision-making regarding substance policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Rockwall, TX offers a robust solution against sample adulteration risks. Hair follicle tests are highly tamper-proof as the collection process is observed and the samples are difficult to alter post-collection. This ensures reliable results for employers, courts, and instances of probation requirements, making it a preferred testing approach.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations including local centers in Rockwall, TX, add ease to drug testing procedures. Whether local or traveling for work, individuals can access our extensive network of testing facilities with minimal hassle, making compliance with testing mandates or personal inquiries swift and stress-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Rockwall, TX is assured with our hair follicle testing services. The procedure is designed to be uncomplicated and discreet, focusing on privacy and confidentiality from ordering to receiving results. Users can trust the process to protect their personal information while attaining the necessary testing insights.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Rockwall, TX highlight our commitment to delivering value through competitive rates and prompt service. Whether for small businesses or large corporations, our testing solutions provide timely and economical options, ensuring peace of mind and financial efficiency in addressing testing needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Rockwall, TX are a hallmark of hair follicle drug tests. These tests deliver precision in detecting substance use over a significant time frame, ensuring high accuracy. As they capture historical data on substance use, they become an essential tool for employers and individuals seeking trustworthy results. Their speed in providing outcomes amplifies their reliability.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Rockwall, TX becomes seamless with hair follicle testing. Implementing such testing ensures alignment with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal exposure, and fostering a safe and productive work environment. This approach not only upholds policy adherence but also enhances overall corporate well-being.
