Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have emerged as an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drugs by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When gathered near the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to nearly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp delivers 100mg of hair, an optimal quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, supplements, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen measurement is recommended. In cases where scalp hair is not present, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. When referencing head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair refers to all additional hair categories (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of a drug test result entails four essential phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the preliminary handling of a sample into a lab’s framework. This entails verifying the sample was securely sealed and dispatched, allocating a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and concluding any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial swift evaluation for abusive substances. While Screening offers a low-cost means to dismiss drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples preliminarily positive during Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation.
If a sample is preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepped for Extraction. Here, drugs are isolated from hair at a notably lower concentration than other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most challenging technique to execute.
Confirmation of any favorable screening outcome is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptively positive samples are cleaned before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently called "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp.
In Santa Cruz, TX, hair follicle drug testing clearly outshines traditional urine tests. A significant advantage is its superior accuracy and reliability in detecting drug use over a longer duration. Hair testing offers a more comprehensive snapshot of an individual's substance use history, enabling better decision-making for employers who prioritize safety and integrity in the workplace.
Santa Cruz, TX employers benefit greatly from hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window, capturing substance use up to 90 days prior. This extensive timeframe provides a thorough overview of an individual’s drug use history, allowing employers to make informed choices about potential employees or existing staff, thus safeguarding their business interests.
The hair follicle testing method in Santa Cruz, TX, stands out for its resistance to tampering, significantly mitigating risks of adulterated samples. Its robust nature ensures that results remain trustworthy and indisputable, allowing employers and legal professionals to rely on accurate drug testing outcomes in crucial decision-making processes.
In Santa Cruz, TX, and across the nation, our testing locations offer unparalleled convenience, ensuring that accessing drug testing services is both simple and expedient. With numerous centers readily available, quick and hassle-free testing is assured, meeting the needs of establishments in various locales with ease.
Experience a straightforward and confidential drug testing process in Santa Cruz, TX. From ordering to receiving results, the system is designed for ease and privacy, addressing concerns head-on. Individuals and employers alike benefit from a service that respects confidentiality while maintaining exceptional service standards.
Offering affordable pricing paired with rapid turnaround times, Accredited Drug Testing in Santa Cruz, TX, presents unmatched value. Catering to businesses of every scale, our competitive pricing structures ensure that effective and timely drug testing solutions are within reach, delivering both economical and reliable service.
Hair follicle drug tests in Santa Cruz, TX, are lauded for their unparalleled precision and rapid results. The process is designed to ensure fast and accurate detection of substance use, providing results that both employers and individuals can trust. This high level of accuracy distinguishes hair follicle testing from other methods, making it a preferred choice for those seeking reliable drug testing results.
Employers in Santa Cruz, TX, achieve peace of mind through hair follicle testing, which upholds compliance with strict drug-free workplace policies. This method reduces potential legal risks while reinforcing a safe and productive working environment, fostering confidence among employers in maintaining a drug-free company culture.
