Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged chronicle of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe for alcohol and other substances extending up to roughly three months. The collection process is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient for shipment.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil's thickness) closest to the scalp amounts to approximately 100mg, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation purposes. For EtG add-ons and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is recommended. It's advisable to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair, while "body hair" covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the sample’s initial processing within a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any manual data entry that the electronic chain of custody did not cover.
Screening involves a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical way to eliminate drug use in the bulk of samples, a positive result needs secondary confirmation to be legally defensible. Any samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require a secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial specimen is prepared for Extraction. This stage involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis a challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from Screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples which are presumptive positive undergo washing before confirmation if required. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Even though they are frequently called "hair follicle tests," the test itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing stands out as a superior method when compared to traditional urine tests in Rosenberg, TX. By offering a longer detection window and more accurate results, hair testing ensures a reliable measure of substance use history. Unlike urine tests, hair testing minimizes the chance of sample tampering, making it a reliable solution for discerning employers.
One of the most remarkable features of hair follicle testing is its extended detection window. In Rosenberg, TX, this method can identify drug usage across an impressive 90-day period. For employers, this offers a thorough overview of an applicant's or employee's drug use history, aiding in making more informed hiring or retention decisions.
In Rosenberg, TX, hair follicle tests provide a testing method resistant to tampering. By utilizing a process that significantly lowers the risk of sample adulteration, they deliver trustworthy and definitive results, essential for maintaining integrity in drug testing practices.
With convenient nationwide testing locations, including those locally in Rosenberg, TX, Accredited Drug Testing makes it simple for individuals and businesses to access prompt and hassle-free testing services. Our widespread facilities ensure users receive the utmost convenience when scheduling tests.
The process of ordering, taking, and receiving results for hair follicle testing in Rosenberg, TX is straightforward and confidential. By ensuring privacy every step of the way, this method addresses common concerns about ease of use while safeguarding personal information.
Offering competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Rosenberg, TX provides excellent value for companies of all sizes. Our affordable pricing structures ensure companies can access necessary drug testing services without straining their budgets, all while receiving timely results.
Delivering fast, accurate, and dependable results, hair follicle drug tests in Rosenberg, TX promise precision in detecting substance use. Their high accuracy rate ensures employers receive comprehensive insights into an individual's drug history, allowing for informed decision-making.
Ensuring compliance with workplace drug-free policies is crucial for employers in Rosenberg, TX. Hair follicle testing supports this need by reducing legal risks and promoting a safe work environment. By demonstrating a commitment to zero-tolerance, companies can foster peace of mind and workplace safety.
