Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by enclosing biomarkers within the strands of the expanding hair. When clipped near the scalp, hair can offer close to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
An optimal specimen for screening and confirmation consists of a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (around the size of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, equating to 100mg of hair. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If there is an absence of scalp hair, a comparable amount of body hair may be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, whereas body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Breakdown
The four fundamental phases in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary incorporation of a sample into the lab’s framework. This process involves checking that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody setup.
Screening consists of an initial concise inspection for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is an economical method to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screening result requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples triggering a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate additional validation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in Screening, extra hair is extracted from the initial sample and made ready for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a considerably lesser concentration compared to alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most complex methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show presumptive positivity undergo a cleaning prior to confirmation, as necessary. The full laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation is examined under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation in addition to the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle below the scalp.
Hair follicle testing has distinct advantages over traditional urine tests in Satsuma, TX. The superior detection capability of hair testing offers a broader window period and greater reliability, making it the preferred choice for many organizations. While urine tests can only detect recent drug use, hair analysis covers a broader timeline, demonstrating its comprehensive effectiveness and providing peace of mind.
With hair follicle testing in Satsuma, TX, the extended detection window offers insight into substance use over up to 90 days. This prolonged timeframe provides employers a thorough understanding of an individual's substance history, essential for making informed decisions regarding employment and compliance with drug-free policies.
In Satsuma, TX, hair follicle testing is a tamper-resistant solution to detect illicit substances. This method significantly lowers the chance of sample adulteration, ensuring unquestionable reliability. The integrity of hair tests makes them a prime choice for employers seeking accurate and dependable results.
Across Satsuma, TX, and beyond, our nationwide and local centers provide convenient access to hair follicle testing. With numerous locations, our services are designed to be rapid and hassle-free, ensuring individuals and employers enjoy swift and easy testing access, maintaining efficiency throughout the process.
The process for hair follicle testing in Satsuma, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering to sample collection and results retrieval, every step priorities privacy and ease of use. This meticulous design alleviates privacy concerns while ensuring a smooth and unobtrusive experience for all participants.
In Satsuma, TX, our hair follicle testing boasts affordable pricing alongside fast turnaround. Our competitive pricing strategy and swift processing times highlight our commitment to delivering excellent value, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all scales.
In Satsuma, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer speed and precision in results. This testing method boasts high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing quick and reliable data that employers can trust. The test's expeditious nature ensures that results are returned promptly, allowing for efficient decision-making processes.
Employers in Satsuma, TX, achieve compliance and confidence by opting for hair follicle testing. This testing route aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal exposure and enhancing occupational safety. Embracing this method contributes significantly to the well-being and security of the work environment.