Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair traps biomarkers in the strands as it grows, offering a long-term record of alcohol and other drug use. When collected near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 3 months for these substances. It's easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp provides roughly 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels over 10, a sample of 150mg is suggested. It is advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically denotes scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the first processing step of a sample into the lab system. This step ensures the sample is sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial overview for drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a confirmed screen is necessary for legal admittance. Samples that test positive at this stage require secondary confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, more hair is taken from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a much lower concentration than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most complex methods.
Confirmation of positive screening results is achieved via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive undergo a washing process prior to confirmation as required. The full lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Scissors, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests provide a more comprehensive view of substance use, detecting long-term usage rather than just recent events. Hair testing prevents manipulation, making it a preferred choice for discerning drug use history thoroughly.
Scissors, TX understands the importance of an extended detection window with hair follicle testing. This method grants employers up to 90 days to review an individual's substance history. It offers a full understanding of an applicant or employee's potential drug use habits, equipping employers with necessary information beyond recent behavior often missed by brief-detection methods.
In Scissors, TX, hair follicle drug tests provide a strong layer of authenticity, markedly minimizing the risk of sample alteration. This testing mode is naturally tamper-resistant, delivering dependable results. The secure and traceable process offers organizations unwavering confidence compared to the risk-prone nature of other testing alternatives.
Convenient access to nationwide testing centers, including Scissors, TX, simplifies the drug testing process. Fast and hassle-free services at nearby locations ensure individuals and companies can undertake tests without cumbersome delays, facilitating smooth and seamless operations.
The confidential process of hair follicle testing in Scissors, TX, highlights its simplicity and privacy protection. Ordering tests, undergoing the procedure, and receiving results remain straightforward, reducing worries about personal privacy and encouraging widespread adoption due to its user-friendly approach.
The testing facilities in Scissors, TX, reinforce their affordable pricing strategy, coupled with swift turnaround times. This ensures excellent value for businesses of every size, boosting corporate assurance and satisfaction through economically viable and time-efficient solutions.
The efficiency of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched in Scissors, TX, as they provide results with high precision and speed. Accuracy in detection plays a crucial role in identifying substance use efficiently. This testing method ensures that both individuals and organizations receive reliable insights rapidly, putting reliability at the forefront of testing solutions.
For employers in Scissors, TX, hair follicle testing assures compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method drastically reduces legal risks, supporting a safer working environment. Employers benefit from a foolproof strategy to oversee and maintain a drug-free setting, fostering peace of mind throughout the organization.
