Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective method for unveiling alcohol and drug consumption. The strands of hair capture biomarkers within the fibers as they grow, chronicling use over time. When taken near the scalp, hair samples offer a detection window of up to around three months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection process is straightforward, tampering is relatively challenging, and shipping is easy.
A sample of 1.5 inches consisting of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) close to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, or examinations over 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent amount of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair pertains strictly to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair types (including facial and axillary hair).
Process Overview
Laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial processing of a specimen into a laboratory’s system. This step encompasses verifying that the sample was appropriately sealed and shipped, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry that an electronic chain of custody did not provide.
Screening serves as a preliminary rapid assessment for drug abuse. While it is a cost-efficient means to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen must undergo confirmation to be admissible in legal settings. Any samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
Should a sample present as presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the initial specimen for Preparation in Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from the hair at significantly lower concentrations than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of a positive screening is executed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Samples identified as presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, if necessary. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the accreditation of both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Frequently termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Tanquecitos South Acres, TX, hair follicle testing proves superior to urine testing due to its enhanced detection accuracy and extended result windows. While urine tests are limited in scope, hair testing offers a broader window for assessing drug use. This makes it an invaluable tool for employers and organizations seeking a more comprehensive view of drug consumption patterns.
Hair follicle testing provides a detailed account of drug use with its 90-day detection window in Tanquecitos South Acres, TX. This extended timeframe helps employers form a complete picture of someone's drug utilization history. By encompassing a broader timespan, hair testing offers improved insight for decision-making, promoting workplace integrity and safety.
The design of hair follicle tests in Tanquecitos South Acres, TX significantly minimizes the possibility of sample tampering, delivering results that are unchallengeable. Because of the nature of hair testing, it becomes exceedingly difficult for individuals to alter the outcomes, ensuring that the tests remain an accurate measure of substance use behavior.
The availability of numerous testing centers nationwide, including in Tanquecitos South Acres, TX, makes access to hair follicle testing both expedient and straightforward. Clients can enjoy hassle-free processes in nearby locales, expediting their chance to utilize trustworthy and proficient drug testing services whenever the need arises.
The process for hair follicle testing in Tanquecitos South Acres, TX is designed to be straightforward and private. From ordering to sample collection and receiving the results, every step prioritizes confidentiality. This assures participants that their personal details remain protected, and ease of use is upheld throughout the operation.
Our competitive pricing paired with swift result delivery in Tanquecitos South Acres, TX ensures value for companies of varied sizes. Affordable yet effective, hair follicle testing offers rapid turnaround times. Such efficiency bolsters business operations, reducing downtime and maintaining the seamless running of company processes.
The efficiency and precision of hair follicle testing ensure reliable results, enhancing detection accuracy in Tanquecitos South Acres, TX. From its promptness in providing outcomes to its impeccable accuracy, this testing method stands out. With hair testing, timely and trustworthy results are obtained, boosting confidence in the detection of substances that may impair functionality.
Employers in Tanquecitos South Acres, TX can achieve compliance and assurance by adopting hair follicle testing. This method endorses drug-free workplace standards, reducing legal exposure. The reliability of hair tests simplifies adherence to workplace policies, augmenting peace of mind and fostering a safe, compliant working environment for all involved.
