Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as an effective approach for identifying alcohol and drug consumption. Hair retains a comprehensive record of alcohol and drug consumption by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 3-month period for alcohol and drug detection. Hair collection is straightforward, less prone to tampering, and convenient to transport.
Collecting a 1.5-inch sample, containing about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. Using a jeweler’s scale for measuring the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair isn’t available, a similar quantity of body hair may suffice. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair specifically. Body hair covers all other forms of hair (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The drug test result processing in the lab involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial integration of a sample into a lab system. This process ensures the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finishes any additional data input missing from the electronic chain of custody.
Screening is the preliminary and quick evaluation for drug abuse presence. Though Screening is an affordable method to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be legally valid. Any samples that test positive in Screening necessitate secondary validation.
Should a sample appear positive in the Screening phase, a portion of hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this stage, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other techniques (like urine or oral fluid), emphasizing the complexity of hair drug screening.
Any positive results in Screening undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are washed if necessary before confirmation. The comprehensive laboratory process starting from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly called "hair follicle tests," the test actually examines the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Tiki Island, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing due to its superior detection accuracy. Unlike traditional urine tests, hair tests reveal a long history of substance use, offering better insights for organizations and employers.
The clarity of hair follicle results provides undeniable evidence of an individual's substance history, unlike urine tests that offer a limited detection window. For a more comprehensive assessment, hair tests are preferred.
Hair follicle testing is revered for its extended detection window, up to 90 days, giving Tiki Island, TX, employers a detailed view of substance use over time. It enables informed decisions by showcasing an individual's drug history over several months.
This expansive detection capability means employers are equipped with more reliable data, reducing the risk of making decisions on incomplete information, which is often the case with shorter detection methods.
In Tiki Island, TX, the integrity of hair follicle testing stems from its tamper-resistant nature, decreasing the likelihood of sample manipulation. This method ensures results are trustworthy and can be relied upon for crucial decisions.
The difficulty in adulterating hair samples means that results from this testing method are consistent and credible, a significant factor for those who trust the accuracy of such evaluations.
With nationwide testing centers and local availability in Tiki Island, TX, accessing hair follicle drug tests is convenient and hassle-free. Our widespread network of facilities ensures that timely testing is within reach for all clients.
This network promises easy access to testing services, vital for clients who require swift and uncomplicated pathways to complete necessary evaluations without unnecessary delays.
In Tiki Island, TX, the hair follicle testing process is both simple and secure, ensuring privacy at every step, from ordering to receiving results. This confidential process eases customer concerns about sensitive data handling.
Our commitment is to provide a straightforward and private testing experience, vital for individuals wary of their information's security during the testing procedure.
For Tiki Island, TX businesses, the affordable pricing of hair follicle testing complements rapid turnaround times, ensuring excellent value. This cost-effective solution is ideal for organizations of all sizes seeking reliable drug testing.
Our competitive pricing structure aligns with quick result delivery, reinforcing our commitment to providing top-tier services without excessive costs, offering peace of mind alongside economic efficiency.
In the realm of drug testing, hair follicle tests are unmatched for their precision and swift results, especially in Tiki Island, TX. Their accuracy in identifying substance use provides a priceless asset for employers and organizations seeking trustworthy results quickly.
The reliability of hair follicle testing is attributed to its high precision, ensuring that substance use is detected accurately and promptly. This reliability is a cornerstone for workplaces striving for safety and compliance.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Tiki Island, TX supports complying with workplace policies, crucial for maintaining a drug-free environment. It safeguards employers from potential legal pitfalls tied to unchecked substance use.
Employers can achieve peace of mind knowing they meet compliance standards, with hair follicle tests upholding safety and integrity within the workplace.
