Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for detecting substance use of drugs and alcohol. Hair serves as an extended record of drug and alcohol consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair can offer approximately a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample of around 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests beyond 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, an equal quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair includes all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential phases in the lab processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample's initial processing into the laboratory's system takes place. This step confirms that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is cost-effective for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires Confirmation to be court-admissible. Any samples that show a presumptive positive in Screening need a secondary Confirmation.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive in Screening, more hair is gathered from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a more challenging methodology to perform.
Confirmation of any positive Screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed before Confirmation as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When it comes to drug testing in Slaton, TX, hair follicle testing significantly outperforms traditional urine tests. The benefits of hair testing include superior detection capabilities and increased reliability. Employers are assured of detailed insights into potential drug use, as this method offers an unrivaled level of accuracy and minimizes inaccuracies associated with other testing procedures.
In Slaton, TX, hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use over a span of up to 90 days. This enables employers to obtain a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance usage history. As a result, businesses are equipped with valuable information on employee or applicant drug use, aiding in making informed decisions based on a wide-ranging analysis.
With hair follicle testing in Slaton, TX, the risk of tampering is significantly reduced. This testing method ensures that results are reliable and indisputable, providing an extra layer of security against sample adulteration. The integrity of hair follicle tests reinforces their applicability, delivering consistent and trustworthy results that organizations can depend on.
Slaton, TX is part of a network of convenient nationwide testing centers, streamlining the access to drug testing services. With local centers available, individuals and companies can effortlessly avail themselves of quick and hassle-free testing services. This broad availability ensures that clients receive timely and efficient testing solutions with ease.
Our hair follicle testing process in Slaton, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease of use. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure is straightforward, addressing concerns about privacy and streamlining the entire experience. Clients can trust the process without compromising on confidentiality.
In Slaton, TX, our drug testing services boast affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. We provide competitive pricing structures that deliver value to organizations of any size. This, coupled with our quick response, ensures that clients receive excellent service, reinforcing confidence in our timely and cost-effective testing options.
Hair follicle drug testing in Slaton, TX delivers fast, accurate, and reliable results. Known for its precision, this method excels in identifying drug use with high accuracy. Unlike other tests, it offers an insight into substance use through a thoroughly dependable testing process. The efficacy of this testing method is unparalleled, ensuring trustworthy outcomes tailored for organizational needs.
Adopting hair follicle testing in Slaton, TX, benefits employers by ensuring adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thus reducing legal risks and enhancing safety. This method of testing provides employers with peace of mind, knowing that they are compliant with regulations while promoting a safe working environment devoid of substance-related issues.
