Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a key method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair locks in biomarker evidence of drug and alcohol usage within the strands of growing hair, forming a timeline. By taking hair samples near the scalp, one can detect substances and alcohol over a period of up to 90 days. Samples are easy to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment consisting of roughly 200 strands (akin to a #2 pencil width) from near the scalp yields 100mg, the preferred amount for both screening and confirming. For EtG, additional tests, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is suggested. Use a jeweler’s scale for precise measurement. If scalp hair isn't available, equivalent body hair can be an alternative. When discussing head hair, we're specifically addressing scalp hair. Body hair includes any other varieties (like facial or axillary hair).
Process Summary
The four central phases in processing a test result in the lab are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about the inclusion of a sample into the lab’s records. This stage involves confirming the sample’s proper sealing and delivery, giving it a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishing any supplementary data entry aside from what's already recorded by a digital custody chain system.
Screening executes an initial, quick scan for illicit substances. Though a cost-effective strategy to dismiss drug use in most instances, confirmation of any positive result is necessary for legal proceedings. Any samples testing presumptively positive in the Screening stage must be verified through secondary confirmation.
When a Screening suggests a presumptive positive, additional portions of hair from the original specimen are set aside for Extraction. This step involves retrieving drugs from hair, which are present in much lower concentrations compared to other mediums (e.g., urine or saliva). Thus, hair drug analysis is notably challenging compared to other methods.
Confirmations of presumptive positive results take place via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Any samples with initial positive findings have a cleaning step before verification, undertaken under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair requirements and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Merits of hair drug analysis:
Drawbacks:
Note: Although often termed "hair follicle tests", this analysis is focused on the hair strands rather than the follicles beneath the scalp.
In Stonewall, TX, hair follicle testing is often preferred due to its superior detection capabilities compared to traditional urine tests. With a significantly extended detection period, hair testing can reveal substance use long after ingestion, offering a thorough insight that urine testing cannot match. This extended detection is crucial for maintaining safety and reliability in professional environments.
With the ability to trace drug use up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers Stonewall employers a comprehensive look into an individual’s substance history. This extended detection window is invaluable for making informed decisions about potential hires and current employees, ensuring that businesses maintain a workforce dedicated to compliance and transparency.
Stonewall, TX benefits from the robust, tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. By significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration, these tests deliver dependable and unequivocal results that employers can trust. This reliability in testing ensures that the outcomes accurately reflect an individual’s substance use, maintaining integrity and honesty in workplace evaluations.
With numerous testing centers nationwide and local accessibility in Stonewall, TX, our hair follicle testing services guarantee prompt and convenient options. We ensure that individuals and companies have easy access to drug testing facilities, eliminating potential barriers and promoting a streamlined experience for all users.
In Stonewall, TX, the process of hair follicle testing is made straightforward and confidential, answering concerns about privacy and usability. From ordering the test to receiving the results, the entire process is designed to be simple yet effective, ensuring confidentiality and ease for everyone involved.
For businesses in Stonewall, TX, our pricing structures are both competitive and transparent, paired with quick turnaround times. This combination provides exceptional value and reassurance to companies of all sizes, allowing them to manage costs effectively while securing timely and accurate testing outcomes.
Stonewall, TX appreciates the precision and swiftness of hair follicle analyses, known for their impressive accuracy in detecting drug use. The speed with which results are provided ensures timely decision-making for employers, granting them the peace of mind necessary to maintain a safe and compliant workplace. Hair testing is designed to deliver both trusted and rapid outcomes, setting a standard of excellence.
Through hair follicle testing, employers in Stonewall, TX can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, which is key to reducing potential legal risks and fostering a safe work environment. Such testing not only reinforces policy adherence but also supports peace of mind for business leaders, knowing their teams are operating within established guidelines.
