Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair shaft retains a prolonged record of substances, capturing biomarkers within its fibers as it grows. When obtained close to the scalp, hair can offer a detection period for alcohol and drugs lasting up to about three months. Hair is easy to gather, relatively hard to tamper with, and straightforward to send.
A 1.5-inch section encompassing roughly 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, add-ons, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable volume of body hair can be used. "Head hair" exclusively means scalp hair, whereas "body hair" implies all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The lab procedure for processing a drug test result involves four stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes initially processing a sample into the lab’s system, which ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial simple check for the presence of drugs. Though Screening is a cost-effective method to exclude drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for court acceptability. Samples that test positive during Screening need a secondary verification.
If a sample is positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is drawn from the original sample for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing the most challenging methodology to execute.
Any confirmed positive screening outcome is verified via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing prior to confirmation if required. The overall lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly called "hair follicle tests", the assessment examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
The Advantage of Hair Follicle Testing Over Urine Tests in Rosharon, TX
In Rosharon, TX, hair follicle testing stands out with a significantly superior detection capacity and dependability compared to conventional urine tests. It offers a longer detection window and reduces the likelihood of tampering, which supports its increase in usage among employers who value precise and reliable drug testing methods. This makes it a favorable choice for maintaining a drug-free workplace.
An Extended Detection Window in Rosharon, TX
Hair follicle testing in Rosharon, TX, offers an extensive detection period, often up to 90 days, surpassing traditional methods. This longer window provides employers with a thorough overview of an applicant or employee's substance use history, offering more comprehensive information than shorter-term tests.
Secure and Tamper-Resistant Testing in Rosharon, TX
The hair follicle testing method in Rosharon, TX, minimizes the risk of tampering, ensuring sample integrity and trustworthy outcomes. This decreases the potential for test subversion, giving employers confidence in maintaining their drug use policies with authenticated results reflecting an individual's substance use.
Nationwide and Local Testing Access in Rosharon, TX
We provide convenient testing locations both nationwide and locally in Rosharon, TX. These centers ensure fast and hassle-free access to critical drug testing services, aiding employers and individuals alike in maintaining necessary programs with ease and efficiency.
A Streamlined and Confidential Process in Rosharon, TX
Our process in Rosharon, TX, is straightforward and respects privacy, simplifying ordering, test-taking, and results retrieval. This comprehensive yet user-friendly system alleviates concerns about confidentiality while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in drug testing proceedings.
Cost-Effective Solutions and Quick Results in Rosharon, TX
We offer competitive pricing structures in Rosharon, TX, alongside expedited turnaround times. These aspects provide exceptional value and reliable outcomes for companies, regardless of size, fostering confidence in their drug testing approach while being economically beneficial.
Rapid and Trustworthy Results in Rosharon, TX
In Rosharon, TX, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their speed and reliability. They're highly effective at identifying substance use, ensuring users receive dependable results. Thanks to advanced technology, these tests deliver quick outcomes without compromising accuracy, particularly vital for workplace settings where timely actions are needed based on results.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety for Employers in Rosharon, TX
Hair follicle testing in Rosharon, TX, enhances peace of mind for employers by ensuring adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces legal risks and enhances safety by accurately detecting substance use, which is crucial for maintaining compliance and offering a secure, lawful work environment.
