Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have emerged as a formidable technique for identifying the use of drugs and alcohol. Hair can capture biological markers in the strands as they grow, providing a comprehensive, long-term account of substance use. When acquired near the scalp, hair offers a detection period of up to around three months for alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively difficult to tamper with, and convenient for shipping.
By obtaining a sample that is 1.5 inches long and consists of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the area nearest to the scalp, one can gather 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weight of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to use a jeweler's scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
There are four primary phases in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This phase ensures the sample was sealed and shipped correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and compiles any additional data not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial cursory examination for drugs of misuse. While it is an economical method to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to withstand legal scrutiny. Any samples that are initially positive during Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample appear positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at substantially lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening poses a significant challenge in execution.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is pursued using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite frequently being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the scalp’s hair follicle.
Hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine testing by offering a broader detection scope in South Brazos, TX. Superior accuracy and reliability distinguish hair analysis as it accurately reveals substance use over an extended period. Unlike urine tests, hair follicle testing is less susceptible to manipulation, ensuring truthful results and fostering trust among employers.
Hair follicle tests in South Brazos, TX, come with an extended detection window. Reaching up to 90 days, this method provides employers with an in-depth view of an individual's substance history. This prolonged span helps gauge long-term patterns of drug use, ensuring informed evaluations beyond what shorter-windowed tests can achieve.
The inherent design of hair follicle tests significantly reduces the potential for tampering in South Brazos, TX. By nature tamper-resistant, these tests deter adulteration attempts, yielding results that are both dependable and unquestionable. Employers are provided assurance of sample integrity, strengthening trust in test outcomes.
South Brazos, TX, benefits from the convenience of Accredited's nationwide testing sites. Ensuring quick and hassle-free service, these centers offer easy access to essential testing services. No matter the location, individuals are guaranteed prompt testing, reflecting our commitment to accessible and efficient drug testing solutions.
Our process in South Brazos, TX, is designed to be straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes user privacy and simplicity. The ease of use ensures clients feel secure and informed throughout, reinforcing trust in a system built for efficiency while respecting personal data.
Accredited provides businesses in South Brazos, TX with cost-effective pricing models and swift turnaround times. Offering exceptional value, our competitive pricing aligns with various budgetary needs, ensuring companies of all sizes benefit from quality service and rapid results, contributing to prudent financial and operational decisions.
In South Brazos, TX, the efficiency and precision of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. Exceedingly reliable, these assessments rapidly detect substance use, offering employers trustworthy results. Swift and accurate, hair testing ensures minimal delays in decision-making, providing peace of mind with its high accuracy rate in detecting drug use.
Hair follicle testing in South Brazos, TX, aligns with employers' goals of ensuring workplace safety and adherence to drug-free policies. These tests bolster compliance efforts, minimizing legal challenges while promoting an environment of safety and trust. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are supported by a reliable testing process.
