Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The testing of hair has become recognized as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeframe of up to roughly 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
A sample of 1.5-inch consisting of around 200 hair strands (equivalent to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will produce a 100mg sample, which is optimal for screening and confirming. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is advised. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is suggested for weighing the specimen. If scalp hair is not present, a similar quantity of body hair might be gathered. When discussing head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes any other kinds of hair (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary phases in processing a drug test in the lab include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of entering a sample into a lab's system. This phase includes checking that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional entry omitted by an electronic custody chain.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for drug misuse. Although Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result must be confirmed for legal acceptability. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample turns out to be presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen for Extraction. Here, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly lower concentration than through other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to hair drug screening being the most challenging method to execute.
Confirming any positive screening outcomes is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before confirmation as necessary. The full process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review, adhering to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly termed "hair follicle tests", these tests examine the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle and traditional urine tests in Shelbyville, TX, clear advantages emerge for hair testing. Superior detection plays a role, as hair tests capture drug use over longer spans, unlike urine tests, which are suited only for recent use. Furthermore, hair testing provides reliability that surpasses urine tests, ensuring policies around substance use are upheld with unwavering accuracy.
Employers in Shelbyville, TX, benefit from hair follicle tests' extended detection window. Covering up to 90 days, these tests offer a comprehensive insight into an individual's substance use history. This extended view aids in making informed decisions regarding employees or applicants, providing a nuanced, historical perspective absent in other testing forms.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing is a key advantage in Shelbyville, TX. The risk of sample adulteration is significantly minimized, ensuring reliability and trust in results. Unlike other testing methods, the integrity of hair tests means results are beyond reproach, providing confidence to all stakeholders in their authenticity and accuracy.
In Shelbyville, TX, testing convenience takes precedence with our nationwide and local centers. Easy access minimizes hassle, ensuring testing services are within reach for everyone. This accessibility facilitates swift and efficient drug testing processes, addressing the needs of diverse clientele efficiently and effectively.
Our testing process in Shelbyville, TX, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes user privacy. The process is designed to be straightforward, addressing any concerns regarding confidentiality while ensuring ease of use, making it accessible for all participants involved.
Offering affordable pricing in Shelbyville, TX, our hair follicle testing also boasts a fast turnaround. Companies of various sizes appreciate the competitive rates and swift results, ensuring value without compromising quality. This balance between cost-effectiveness and rapid processing stands as a hallmark of our testing services.
In Shelbyville, TX, hair follicle tests offer fast, reliable results, unmatched by other methods. Precision and speed characterize these tests, assuring stakeholders of their high accuracy. A quick turnaround time means decisions about substance use are based on solid, dependable data, streamlining processes for both individuals and organizations seeking clarity on drug usage.
Hair follicle testing in Shelbyville, TX, ensures compliance and peace of mind for employers. Adopting this method aligns workplaces with drug-free policies, mitigating potential legal risks. In doing so, it fosters a secure environment, elevating safety and reducing liabilities, thus enhancing the overall wellbeing of the workplace community.
