Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair, hair provides a historical record of substance use over time. When obtained near the scalp, hair can reveal usage of alcohol and drugs for up to three months. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands akin to a #2 pencil, yields 100mg of hair, perfect for both screening and verification. For EtG evaluations, extended panels, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. Measuring the specimen with a jeweler's scale is suggested. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equal amount of body hair may be utilized. When discussing head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Procedure Summary
The four primary stages in processing a laboratory drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This step verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns it a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and finalizes any remaining data input not managed by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is economical for most cases, a positive result must be confirmed for legal validity. Samples with presumptive positives from Screening necessitate further confirmation.
For a sample deemed presumptively positive in Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the initial batch for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at notably low concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a more challenging methodology.
Confirmation of positive screening outcomes is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Needed samples undergo washing prior to confirmation. The entire lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle test," the analysis examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle tests to urine tests, the advantages in South Point, TX are clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. While urine tests can miss instances of drug use, hair tests provide a comprehensive look at an individual's substance history.
Hair follicle tests detect substances that were used long after they are no longer detectable in urine, providing a broader view of drug use. Employers benefit from this comprehensive method, which minimizes the chances of false negatives common with urine tests.
Hair follicle testing in South Point, TX, provides an extensive detection window, often up to 90 days. This long period allows employers a detailed view of an individual's drug use history, surpassing the limited scope of urine tests.
The extended detection window is particularly beneficial in providing a more holistic understanding of a candidate or employee's substance use pattern, thereby facilitating more informed decision-making.
Hair follicle testing in South Point, TX, offers an unbeatable advantage with its tamper-resistant nature. Unlike other tests, the chances of adulteration are significantly lowered with hair tests, rendering them highly reliable.
The method reduces manipulation risks common in other testing formats. With hair testing, South Point employers can trust the authenticity of the results, assuring they reflect the true status of substance use among employees.
Accredited Drug Testing extends accessible services across South Point, TX, making drug testing convenient with numerous nationwide locations. This makes conducting vital drug tests hassle-free and easily accessible for everyone.
Whether your testing needs are local in South Point or spread across various locations, our vast network ensures that you have a conveniently located testing facility within reach, simplifying the process for both employers and employees alike.
In South Point, TX, the hair follicle testing procedure is straightforward and maintains confidentiality throughout. The process from ordering the test to receiving the results is designed for simplicity, easing concerns about privacy and access.
This easy, confidential process is crucial for those undergoing testing. Each step is streamlined to ensure that individuals can count on not just accurate results but also a respectful handling of sensitive information.
South Point, TX, businesses benefit from affordable hair follicle testing prices that do not compromise on speed. Our competitive pricing makes testing accessible for companies of all sizes, ensuring that budget isn't a barrier to receiving quality results.
The quick turnaround time coupled with cost-effective pricing provides excellent value. Employers obtain fast, accurate results without the financial burden, supporting informed and timely decision-making.
Hair follicle drug tests in South Point, TX, offer unparalleled speed and precision. These tests are known for their ability to produce fast and reliable results. By testing a small sample of hair, they accurately detect a wide range of substances, ensuring employers receive trustworthy insights regarding employee substance use.
In addition to their high accuracy, hair follicle tests boast impressive turnaround times. This helps employers make informed decisions quickly without compromising on the quality of the data received. These factors contribute to the exceptional value of hair testing in South Point.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in South Point, TX, ensures employers are aligned with drug-free workplace policies. This compliance enhances safety, providing peace of mind by significantly reducing associated legal risks.
Hair testing reassures employers, knowing that they are employing a method that upholds the integrity of their zero-tolerance policies and supports a safe working environment for everyone involved.
