Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has evolved into a highly effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of hair strands trap biomarkers, providing a detailed record of substance use over an extended period. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it offers an estimated detection period of up to three months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar to a #2 pencil) from the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, a sample size of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is not present, a comparable amount of body hair may be obtained. When referring to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. 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 pertains to the initial phase of systemizing a sample in a laboratory. This process checks sample sealing and shipping, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts an initial assessment for drug abuse. While cost-effective, positive screens must undergo confirmation to hold up in legal settings. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening require a subsequent confirmation.
If a presumptive positive is indicated during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the specimen for further Extraction. Drugs are derived from hair at far lower concentrations compared to other methods (for example, urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably complex.
Confirmation of positive screening results relies on GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples indicative of presumptive positive outcomes undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as needed. The full laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 standard.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis targets the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Tests Are Superior to Urine Testing in Russellville, TX
In Russellville, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer enhanced detection accuracy and reliability over traditional urine tests. The longer analysis window and difficulty in gaming the system make it a favored option among employers and legal authorities.
Extended Detection Period in Russellville, TX
Hair follicle testing extends detection capabilities, revealing drug use history for up to 90 days. This feature provides employers in Russellville, TX with an exhaustive view of a candidate's substance use history, aiding in better-informed decision making.
Secure, Tamper-Resistant Testing in Russellville, TX
Russellville, TX benefits from hair follicle tests that minimize the possibility of sample tampering. Their inherent difficulty to adulterate ensures that outcomes remain trustworthy, making them an exemplary choice for reliable testing.
Easy Access with Local Testing Centers in Russellville, TX
Through numerous nationwide centers, including local options in Russellville, TX, obtaining testing services is both easy and convenient, promising a smooth experience for all involved.
Seamless and Confidential Testing Process in Russellville, TX
The streamlined, discreet nature of hair follicle testing in Russellville, TX equips users with an easy-to-navigate process, from booking the test to the confidential receipt of precise results, maintaining user privacy.
Cost-Effective and Fast Results in Russellville, TX
Our competitive pricing model, coupled with expeditious result delivery, offers remarkable value for organizations of varying sizes in Russellville, TX, ensuring financial feasibility along with rapid results.
Quick, Precise, and Trustworthy: Hair Testing in Russellville, TX
Hair follicle tests provide fast, accurate, and reliable results, ensuring that substance use is detected precisely. This method surpasses other tests due to its impeccable precision and speed, positioning it as a leading choice for students, employees, and individuals in various situations in Russellville, TX.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Russellville, TX
Hair follicle testing helps employers in Russellville, TX adhere to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal repercussions and fostering a safe and regulated working environment.