Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a repository of long-term alcohol and drug histories by capturing biomarkers within the strands of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of roughly up to 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the preferred sample size for testing and validation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. It is suggested to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If head hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be utilized. “Head hair†denotes only scalp hair. “Body hair†includes all other hair varieties (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four key steps in the lab analysis of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial stage of processing a sample in a lab’s framework. This step checks if the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and enters any extra information not available via an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes an initial swift inspection for drug abuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to negate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Any presumptive positive samples in Screening must undergo confirmation.
Should a sample appear presumptively positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the main specimen and processed for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are removed from hair at a significantly reduced concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting why hair drug screening is actually the most intricate method to execute.
Confirmation of a positive screening outcome is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positives get washed prior to confirmation, if necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the process itself examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Shepton, TX surpasses urine testing by providing greater detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair tests offer a longer detection period, capturing a detailed profile of substance use over time. This comprehensive analysis makes it difficult to evade detection unlike traditional testing methods.
Employers in Shepton, TX benefit from hair follicle testing's extended detection window, which can reveal drug use dating back up to 90 days. This expansive timeframe gives employers a thorough understanding of a candidate or employee's substance use history, promoting a safer and more informed workplace.
In Shepton, TX, hair follicle testing stands out as a tamper-resistant method. By significantly limiting opportunities for sample adulteration, the hair test ensures that results remain trustworthy and unquestionable, offering security and confidence in the testing process.
With convenient nationwide testing centers, including those in Shepton, TX, accessing services is quick and hassle-free. Whether local or nationwide, these centers ensure that testing is simple and accessible for everyone, making the process seamless and efficient.
The hair follicle drug test process in Shepton, TX is simple and confidential. Ordering and receiving results is straightforward, ensuring privacy and easing any concerns customers might have about discretion and ease of use.
Offering affordable pricing and fast turnaround, our services in Shepton, TX provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This competitive pricing structure ensures companies can maintain a drug-free environment while managing expenses effectively.
Hair follicle drug testing in Shepton, TX ensures fast and accurate results. This method is renowned for detecting substance use with utmost precision, making it a reliable choice for many. The process is designed for quick turnaround, giving peace of mind to employers and individuals alike.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Shepton, TX provides employers with compliance with workplace drug-free policies. This testing method not only reduces legal risks but also enhances overall safety, providing peace of mind and ensuring a lawful working environment.
