Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has gained recognition as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer around a 3-month period for evaluating alcohol and drug use. Hair sampling is straightforward to perform, relatively resistant to tampering, and uncomplicated to transport.
A section measuring 1.5 inches and comprising roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil in size) closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for testing and verifying results. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen mass of 150mg is advised. It's suggested to measure the sample's weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, a comparable quantity of body hair can be retrieved. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other forms of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal steps in a laboratory's drug test result process: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first phase of integrating a sample into a laboratory’s procedures. This phase ensures that the sample was adequately sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data not supplied by the electronic chain of custody.
Screening entails an initial rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although it is an economical way to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptively positive during Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial batch and readied for Extraction. During this phase, substances are drawn from hair at concentrations much lower than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug assessments.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as required. The entire process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and their ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis targets the hair strands, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in San Patricio, TX significantly outshines urine testing through its remarkable detection accuracy and dependability. Unlike urine tests, hair analyses can reveal drug use over a prolonged period, offering a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance habits. The likelihood of maskable results decreases, enhancing the reliability of screening procedures.
With a detection window extending up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in San Patricio, TX provides an exceptional advantage. Employers gain a detailed understanding of an employee's or applicant's substance use history. This long-term detection offers insights far beyond typical urine tests, ensuring a thorough and informed assessment of an individual's drug history.
In San Patricio, TX, the hair follicle testing method stands out for its resistance to tampering. Since the sample collection involves obtaining hair, altering or substituting the sample is nearly impossible. This robust method ensures that results are uncontaminated and trustworthy, providing unquestionable evidence of substance use.
With numerous testing centers across the country and locally within San Patricio, TX, accessing hair follicle testing is both quick and simple. This widespread availability means that clients can benefit from convenient and prompt services, allowing for easy integration into regular hiring and employee management practices.
In San Patricio, TX, the process of hair follicle testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, every step ensures privacy and simplicity. Clients can rely on a hassle-free experience that caters to their need for discretion while providing critical testing information efficiently.
Offering competitive pricing and swift turnaround times, hair follicle testing in San Patricio, TX is both affordable and timely. This cost-effective testing solution assures companies of all sizes that they can maintain their drug-free policies without excessive expenditure or delays in the hiring process.
In San Patricio, TX, hair follicle drug testing offers unmatched speed and precision. The test process is designed to yield quick results without compromising on accuracy, enabling employers to detect substance use confidently. Its high level of accuracy ensures reliable detection of both drug and alcohol use, providing peace of mind in hiring and monitoring processes.
Hair follicle testing in San Patricio, TX provides employers peace of mind by ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies. By leveraging this testing method, businesses mitigate legal risks and enhance safety, fostering a secure and compliant work environment. The reliability of hair tests supports a more stable and responsible workplace.
