Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures critical biomarkers within the fibers of the strands as they grow, offering a comprehensive historical record of substance use. When collected from the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of around 3 months for drugs and alcohol. Collecting hair is a straightforward process, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale is advisable. If scalp hair isn't accessible, a corresponding amount of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically means scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary stages of laboratory processing for drug testing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s system, which includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and entering any additional data not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for abused substances. While it's a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screening requires confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening mandate further confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in methodologies like urine or oral fluids, making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
Confirmation of positive screening results is conducted utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All potentially positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is conducted under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in line with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests," this test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests in Rollingwood, TX due to several factors. While each testing method has its use, hair testing emerges as superior in terms of detection scope.
Urine tests capture recent substance use, but hair tests provide insights into long-term habits, offering a broader window for detection. This extended detection period leads to a more reliable understanding of substance use patterns.
Extended Detection Window is a hallmark advantage of hair follicle testing. In Rollingwood, TX, this testing method allows employers to understand an individual’s substance use history over up to 90 days, a significant improvement over conventional tests.
This extended timeframe enables a comprehensive approach for assessing an applicant's or employee's drug usage, thus aiding in informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistance is crucially addressed with hair follicle tests. In Rollingwood, TX, these tests are renowned for minimizing the potential of sample adulteration, ensuring that results are both reliable and indisputable.
Employers find this feature invaluable, as the known tamper-resistant nature of hair tests ensures confidence in the screening results, significantly reducing manipulation risks.
The presence of nationwide testing centers contributes greatly to the convenience of drug testing in Rollingwood, TX. These centers enable easy access and quick processing, minimizing disruption.
Accredited Drug Testing’s extensive network ensures that finding a convenient location is hassle-free, streamlining the overall testing process and enhancing accessibility for all who need it.
The process for ordering, executing, and receiving hair follicle test results in Rollingwood, TX is structured for simplicity and confidentiality.
With an easy, straightforward protocol, individuals can trust their personal data remains private while experiencing minimum inconvenience, thereby addressing any concerns related to privacy in testing procedures.
In Rollingwood, TX, the appeal of hair follicle testing is compounded by its affordable pricing paired with fast turnaround times, providing a cost-effective solution for organizations of all sizes.
This combination of affordability and speed highlights the value that hair testing brings to drug screening programs, empowering employers with reliable and quick outcomes.
The speed and reliability of hair follicle drug testing make it an advantageous choice for those needing rapid results in Rollingwood, TX. Hair testing boasts a precision that ensures the accurate detection of a wide range of substances, offering clarity and assurance to employers.
This testing method not only unfailingly identifies recent drug use but also does so with remarkable accuracy. The results are processed swiftly, making hair follicle drug tests a top selection for urgent screening needs.
For employers in Rollingwood, TX, hair follicle testing guarantees compliance with drug-free workplace policies. Embracing this method mitigates legal risks and fosters an environment of safety and reliability.
Ensuring regulatory compliance through hair testing provides peace of mind. The robust results assure policy adherence by all personnel, a cornerstone for workplace confidence.
