Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands capture a prolonged history of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. If collected near the scalp, hair can deliver an approximate 3-month timeframe for detecting alcohol and drugs. The collection process for hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient for shipping.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of about 200 strands of hair (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg, which is the preferred amount for screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. It's advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair not be available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair. Body hair denotes other hair varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning concerns the initial integration of a sample into the lab's system. This process includes confirming that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning an unspecified LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening performs a preliminary rapid assessment for drug usage. While economically efficient for excluding drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires further confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples showing preliminary positive results in Screening necessitate a secondary verification.
If a pre-screened sample is positive, an additional hair portion is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs in this stage are pulled from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of performing hair drug screening.
Positive Screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Santa Rosa, TX, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine tests. Why? Hair tests boast higher detection accuracy and reliability, capturing a wider range of substances over a longer period.
The hair follicle test's extended detection window in Santa Rosa, TX reaches up to 90 days, offering a detailed account of substance use. Unlike traditional methods, it covers longer periods, aiding employers in evaluating a candidate’s substance history.
In Santa Rosa, TX, hair follicle tests stand out due to their tamper-resistant nature. This method significantly minimizes the chances of sample adulteration.
With numerous facilities available, Santa Rosa, TX offers convenient nationwide testing locations. Our centers provide effortless access to reliable hair follicle testing.
Our simple, confidential process in Santa Rosa, TX means easy ordering, testing, and result retrieval. We prioritize privacy every step of the way, making sure that confidentiality is maintained.
In Santa Rosa, TX, we offer affordable pricing and fast turnaround for hair follicle tests. Tailored to suit companies of all sizes, our solutions deliver
Santa Rosa, TX residents benefit from hair follicle tests as they offer fast, accurate, and reliable results. The thoroughness of these tests guarantees top precision.
Hair follicle testing in Santa Rosa, TX ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers. It aligns with drug-free workplace policies, actively reducing legal risks.
