Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the developing hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reveal a window of detection extending up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to collect, moderately challenging to tamper with, and uncomplicated to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of around 200 hair strands (around the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for testing and verification. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be gathered. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair. "Body hair" includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the entry of a sample into a laboratory system. This step verifies the correct sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any missing data entry from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening offers a cost-efficient method to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive result requires verification for court admissibility. Samples with presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Presumptive positive samples in Screening require more hair from the initial specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in methods like urine or oral fluid, highlighting the complexity of hair drug screening.
Confirmation of a positive screening result is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Scotland, TX
When comparing the benefits of hair follicle tests to more traditional urine tests, hair testing showcases superior detection accuracy and reliability. The extensive detection period, paired with the difficulty in tampering with hair samples, makes hair testing a more trusted method of drug screening in Scotland, TX.
Extended Detection Window in Scotland, TX
Hair follicle testing boasts an extended detection window of up to 90 days, offering a thorough look into an individual's substance use. Such expansive coverage allows employers to gain a comprehensive perspective on an applicant or employee’s past behavior, enhancing decision-making processes in Scotland, TX.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Scotland, TX
Hair follicle testing is a robust method that significantly reduces the risk of sample tampering. By providing reliable and unquestionable results, these tests are trusted for their resiliency against fraudulent practices, ensuring security and integrity in substance use testing throughout Scotland, TX.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Scotland, TX
With testing centers nationwide, including local facilities in Scotland, TX, accessing drug testing services is quick and hassle-free. The convenience of widespread availability ensures that testing is easy and efficient, meeting the needs of everyone, everywhere.
Simple, Confidential Process in Scotland, TX
Our hair follicle testing procedure is both simple and confidential—easy to order, conduct, and receive results discreetly. Privacy is paramount, providing peace of mind to individuals worried about confidentiality in Scotland, TX.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Scotland, TX
Benefit from competitive pricing models and rapid result delivery with hair follicle testing. Our affordable services ensure that companies of any size receive excellent value, with swift, reliable results enhancing confidence in drug testing practices.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Scotland, TX
Experience the precision of hair follicle drug tests, renowned for their high accuracy in detecting substance use. With rapid processing times and reliability, hair follicle testing ensures that individuals receive fast and dependable results, making it the preferred choice for accurate drug testing within Scotland, TX.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Scotland, TX
Adopting hair follicle testing facilitates compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This reduces legal risks and enhances safety standards, granting employers peace of mind while maintaining a secure work environment in Scotland, TX.