Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair screening has emerged as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by ensnaring biomarkers within the structure of the elongating hair strand. When sourced near the scalp, hair can reflect up to a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is straightforward to gather, relatively resistant to alteration, and uncomplicated to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (similar to the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for analysis and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advised. It is suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. If scalp hair is inaccessible, an equivalent volume of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers solely to scalp hair, whereas "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test involves four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the introductory processing of a sample within a lab’s framework. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any outstanding data entry not covered through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for substance misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly method to exclude drug presence in the majority of samples, a positive Screen demands confirmation to stand in court. Any samples with a tentative positive result in Screening call for an additional confirmation.
If a sample shows a tentative positive in the Screening stage, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction stage. During this phase, drugs are extracted from the hair at far lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Positive screening results undergo Confirmation via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The full lab sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", the procedure tests the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing
In South Plains, TX, the advantage of hair follicle tests over urine tests is clear. Hair testing provides superior accuracy across an extended timeline, reflecting a broader history of substance use compared to urine tests. Its reliability ensures accurate detection over an extended period, making hair testing a preferred choice.
Extended Detection Window
Offering a lengthy detection period of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in South Plains, TX, provides a detailed insight into an individual's substance usage. This extended window is invaluable for employers seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of a candidate or employee's drug habits, surpassing the capabilities of conventional tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method
Hair follicle testing offers a tamper-resistant methodology in South Plains, TX, significantly reducing the likelihood of sample adulteration. This method delivers trustworthy results, crucial for maintaining the integrity of the testing process. With minimal susceptibility to tampering, it stands as a robust choice for accurate evaluations.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations
Accredited Drug Testing offers the convenience of nationwide testing centers including South Plains, TX, enabling easy access to drug testing services. With numerous locations, accessing a testing site is hassle-free and quick, ensuring that test participants do not face undue inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process
Our hair follicle testing process in South Plains, TX, is streamlined for simplicity and confidentiality. From ordering the test to receiving the results, we ensure privacy and ease throughout, addressing any concerns related to personal information safety and process efficiency.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround
Our competitive pricing and rapid result provision in South Plains, TX, make hair follicle testing accessible to businesses of all sizes. Offering value coupled with swift result delivery, we provide peace of mind through our efficient, cost-effective services.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results
In South Plains, TX, the efficiency of hair follicle tests is unparalleled. This method of testing excels in speed and accuracy, rapidly pinpointing the presence of substances with high fidelity. The swiftness of obtaining results complements the test's precision, providing an effective solution in substance detection.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers
South Plains, TX, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies through hair follicle testing. This method reduces legal liability while boosting workplace safety. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing their testing strategies align with strict compliance requirements.
