Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Considered an effective instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption, hair testing captures a comprehensive timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When extracted close to the scalp, hair can present an estimated 3-month detection period for both alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A segment measuring 1.5 inches of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the preferred quantity for both testing and verification. For EtG, additional analysis, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, the suggested amount is 150mg of the hair sample. Use a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing. Should scalp hair be absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair might be used. When mentioning head hair, this pertains solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases integral to the lab processing of a drug test outcome include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is concerned with the primary integration of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This process involves confirming the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening constitutes an initial rapid assessment for drug abuse. Although Screening serves as a cost-effective method to negate drug use across most samples, any positive screen necessitates confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples on a provisionally positive screen require secondary confirmation.
Should the Screening stage deem a sample presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen and arranged for Extraction. This process involves removing drugs from hair at significantly diluted concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screen is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS processes. All samples with presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation if needed. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is scrutinized under both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle situated beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in St. Hedwig, TX
In St. Hedwig, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, providing superior detection accuracy and reliability. These tests can detect longer substance abuse patterns, offering a robust solution for employers looking to maintain a drug-free environment.
Extended Detection Window in St. Hedwig, TX
St. Hedwig businesses benefit from hair follicle testing's ability to identify drug usage over a protracted period, sometimes up to 90 days. This comprehensive view into an individual's substance history is crucial for employers seeking reliable insights into applicants or employees.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in St. Hedwig, TX
Hair follicle tests provide significantly reduced chances of sample adulteration in St. Hedwig. The method ensures reliable and indisputable results, offering peace of mind across various professional settings concerned about sample integrity.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in St. Hedwig, TX
Testing centers located throughout the nation and in St. Hedwig provide accessible, easy, and hassle-free drug testing services, ensuring prompt service wherever you or your company operate.
Simple, Confidential Process in St. Hedwig, TX
In St. Hedwig, the process for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle test results is simple and confidential, easing concerns related to privacy and offering a convenient experience for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in St. Hedwig, TX
Our competitive pricing and rapid turnaround ensure the delivery of great value and confidence to businesses in St. Hedwig, accommodating organizations of various sizes with efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in St. Hedwig, TX
Hair follicle drug tests in St. Hedwig boast precision and speed, offering high accuracy in identifying substance use. These tests are lauded for their swift turnaround times and unbeatable reliability, ensuring that results are both comprehensive and promptly delivered.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in St. Hedwig, TX
Employers in St. Hedwig ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies by utilizing hair follicle testing, which minimizes legal risks and promotes a safer work environment.
