Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as a significant method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a long-term record of substances within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal substance usage for up to a 3-month duration. Collecting hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (approximately the dimensions of a #2 pencil) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG, additional analyses, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a quantity of 150mg is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for an accurate measure of the sample is suggested. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair solely, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four principal stages in the laboratory processing of drug test results: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning encompasses the initial steps of entering a sample into a lab's system. This step involves ensuring that the sample remains sealed and transported correctly, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry necessary outside an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a primary short check for illicit drug use. Although Screening provides an economic means of dismissing drug usage for most samples, a positive indication from screening requires validation to be legally acceptable. Samples flagged as presumptively positive in Screening demand a subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample return a presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. In this phase, substances are extracted from hair at concentrations considerably lower than other methods like urine or oral fluid, which contributes to hair analysis being the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples deemed presumptively positive undergo washing prior to confirmation as requirements dictate. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the entire lab process is overseen under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and aligned with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often described as "hair follicle tests", these tests analyze the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
When compared to urine testing, hair follicle testing offers significant advantages in Seven Oaks, TX. The extended detection window of hair tests, capturing substance use up to 90 days, makes them far superior in terms of reliability. This capability allows businesses and legal entities to confidently identify drug use patterns that might be missed in shorter-term urine analyses.
Hair follicle testing in Seven Oaks, TX provides a comprehensive look at an individual's drug use over an extended period, up to 90 days. This long detection window offers employers a detailed view of an applicant or employee's substance use history, offering insights that could be critical for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace environment.
For those concerned about sample tampering, hair follicle tests in Seven Oaks, TX present a secure alternative. This method significantly minimizes the risk of sample manipulation or adulteration, ensuring that the results are unquestionable and reliable, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of drug testing processes.
The availability of testing centers nationwide, including convenient local options in Seven Oaks, TX, means that hair follicle testing is accessible and hassle-free. This expansive network ensures that individuals and businesses can easily access testing services without significant travel, making the entire process smoother and more efficient.
In Seven Oaks, TX, the process of hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. Customers can easily order tests, complete them, and receive results while maintaining privacy. This straightforward approach addresses user concerns about ease of use and confidentiality, ensuring a seamless experience for all parties involved.
With competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, hair follicle testing in Seven Oaks, TX offers excellent value. Our affordable rates and efficient processing times make it feasible for businesses of all sizes to implement comprehensive drug testing protocols without compromising on speed or accuracy.
In Seven Oaks, TX, hair follicle drug tests stand out for their exceptional accuracy and speed. Unlike traditional methods, these tests swiftly detect substance use with a high degree of reliability. The precision of hair testing helps ensure that results are both fast and correct, reducing uncertainties and providing quick answers needed for effective decision-making.
Employers in Seven Oaks, TX can achieve compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. By utilizing this method, businesses ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies. This not only reduces potential legal risks but also supports the creation of a safer work environment, reflecting positively on company culture and operation.
