Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now widely recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can provide an extended history of alcohol and drug usage by capturing biomarkers in the hair strands as they grow. By taking a sample near the scalp, hair can furnish an alcohol and drug detection timeline of up to 3 months. The procedure for collecting hair is straightforward; it is somewhat resistant to tampering and easy to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the width of a #2 pencil), when cut nearest to the scalp, yields about 100mg of hair, which is considered an ideal amount for initial screening and confirming results. For tests like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to use 150mg of the sample. The sample should be weighed using a jeweler’s scale. Should scalp hair be unavailable, substitute by collecting an equivalent amount of body hair. When we discuss head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair, whereas body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The principal steps in processing a drug test in the laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the first step, where the sample is logged into the lab’s system. This step ensures proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry as needed, excluding what the electronic chain of custody system provides.
Screening conducts an initial assessment for drugs. Although Screening is a cost-effective method to determine drug presence in most samples, a positive result in this phase requires confirmation to be valid in legal proceedings. Any sample showing presumptive positivity during Screening necessitates further confirmation.
For samples indicating presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is drawn from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. At this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at concentrations significantly lower than those used in other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to perform.
To confirm a positive result from the screening, methodologies such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS are utilized. Before confirmation, all samples indicating presumptive positivity are cleansed as necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is carried out under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is done on the hair strands and not the hair follicle beneath the skin.
In Seagoville, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine tests with its superior detection period and accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests offer a longer assessment timeframe, allowing insights into substance use over several months, beating urine testing's shorter window. This enhances reliability for employers needing dependable results.
Hair follicle tests in Seagoville, TX, provide a wider detection window for drug use, stretching up to 90 days. This long-term perspective helps employers gain a complete overview of the drug use patterns of applicants or employees, markedly surpassing the short-term insight provided by conventional testing methods.
The hair follicle test method in Seagoville, TX, minimizes the chance of manipulation. It delivers tamper-resistant results, substantially harder to adulterate than other testing methods. This integrity assures employers of the accuracy and dependability of test outcomes, crucial in maintaining ethical standards and reliable records.
With a broad network of locations, including Seagoville, TX, accessing drug testing services is hassle-free. Our convenient nationwide centers make it simple for individuals and companies to rapidly obtain necessary test services, ensuring quick and easy processing without the typical logistical challenges.
In Seagoville, TX, the hair follicle testing process is straightforward and confidential. From ordering tests to receiving results, the process prioritizes privacy, ensuring participants experience a hassle-free and respectful testing journey, addressing and alleviating any privacy concerns effectively.
Offering competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Seagoville, TX, our hair follicle testing stands out as an excellent value proposition. Companies benefit from accessible rates without compromising on result delivery speed, providing peace of mind with swift and cost-effective drug testing services.
In Seagoville, TX, hair follicle drug tests are known for their precision and speed in providing results. Offering a higher accuracy rate, these tests effectively detect substance usage that traditional methods might miss. The reliability of this method ensures that individuals undergoing the test face a system that swiftly delivers accurate outcomes.
Employers in Seagoville, TX, can leverage hair follicle testing for assured compliance with drug-free workplace policies. The use of this testing method not only safeguards legal standing but also augments workplace safety by providing clear, irrefutable evidence of employee drug usage, fostering peace of mind.
