Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol use. Hair strands capture long-term histories of alcohol and drug use by seizing biomarkers within the fiber strands as they grow. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat tamper-resistant, and easily shippable.
An ideal sample for analysis comprises a 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (similar to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp, which will weigh approximately 100mg. For screening, EtG, additional panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a sample of 150mg is advised. It's recommended to measure the weight using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is insufficient, a similar quantity of body hair can be collected. Head hair refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
The laboratory processes for drug testing results consist of four essential steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is processed into the system. This step involves verifying proper sealing and shipping, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN) randomly, and completing data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive result necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that test presumptive positive during Screening require a secondary confirmation.
In cases of presumptive positivity during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for further processing in the Extraction stage. Hair extraction involves retrieving drugs at a lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing a more complex procedure.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is performed utilizing GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. All samples testing presumptive positive undergo a cleansing process before confirmation, as needed. The comprehensive lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, complies with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In Sherwood Shores, TX, hair follicle testing offers benefits that traditional urine tests simply can't match. Its superior detection accuracy and reliability make it the preferred method. While urine tests may cover recent drug use, hair tests offer a broader, more comprehensive view, ensuring that no substance use is overlooked.
Extended Detection Window
Hair follicle testing in Sherwood Shores, TX stands out with its extended detection window of up to 90 days. This allows employers to gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance history, rather than just focusing on the last few days. Such an extensive window provides a clear, comprehensive timeline of drug usage.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
The risk of sample adulteration is significantly reduced with hair follicle testing in Sherwood Shores, TX. The methodology involved ensures the results are reliable and unquestionable, setting a new standard for drug testing that can’t easily be manipulated, thus preserving the integrity of the sample collection and results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Sherwood Shores, TX, benefits from the convenience of our nationwide testing center network. These centers ensure that accessing drug testing services is quick, simple, and stress-free no matter where you are, promoting a seamless testing process that suits individuals and businesses alike.
Simple, Confidential Process
In Sherwood Shores, TX, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be straightforward and confidential. Ordering and taking the test is discreet, and receiving results is hassle-free. This confidentiality ensures privacy is maintained, addressing common concerns and making the process easy for all involved.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround times are priorities for testing in Sherwood Shores, TX. These factors ensure that companies of all sizes receive value for investment. Having quick and reliable results without high costs is a key benefit that offers peace of mind to many businesses.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In Sherwood Shores, TX, the precision of hair follicle drug tests is unmatched. Their speed and reliability ensure timely results, making them the preferred choice for accurate substance use detection. Whether for employers or other agencies, the high accuracy of these tests guarantees that decisions are based on dependable evidence, offering peace of mind.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
Employers in Sherwood Shores, TX benefit from the compliance that hair follicle testing provides. It aligns perfectly with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks while enhancing workplace safety. The peace of mind this brings to employers, knowing their policies are enforced accurately, is invaluable.
