Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now recognized as a significant method for detecting drug and alcohol use. It offers a long-term trace of alcohol and other substances through captured biomarkers in the strands of growing hair. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol use over a span of nearly three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A specimen of 1.5 inches in length comprising approximately 200 strands (akin to the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal quantity for testing and validation. For EtG assessments, enhancements, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, an equivalent amount of body hair can be obtained. The term head hair pertains exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
There are four primary stages in the laboratory handling of a drug test output: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is about integrating a sample into a lab's system initially. It checks if the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigns a randomized LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic custody chain system.
Screening conducts a preliminary assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening is cost-efficient to exclude drug use across most specimens, any positive indication calls for validation to be valid in legal scenarios. Samples indicating a presumptive positive in Screening need further verification.
In instances where Screening suggests positivity, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are isolated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.
Validation of any positive Screening finding employs GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples indicating presumptive positivity receive a pre-confirmation wash where necessary. Every phase from Accessioning through Confirmation is reviewed against CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and accords with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the test actually analyzes the hair strand, not the subscalp hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Tioga, TX
Hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests in several ways. While a urine test might capture recent drug use, hair follicle tests offer a more comprehensive detection period. Their superior accuracy makes them an ideal choice for employers and agencies in Tioga, TX seeking reliable results.
Extended Detection Window in Tioga, TX
Hair follicle testing provides a substantial detection window of up to 90 days, making it invaluable for employers who want a clear picture of an employee's drug history. This extended analysis period in Tioga, TX gives insights beyond the limitations of shorter-duration tests.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Tioga, TX
The chances of sample tampering with hair follicle tests are significantly minimized. This method stands out as a reliable and unquestionable practice for drug testing in Tioga, TX, offering peace of mind and authenticity in test results.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Tioga, TX
Access to testing services is made simple with our extensive network of centers across the nation. For residents of Tioga, TX, this means convenient, quick, and hassle-free testing opportunities without needing to travel far.
Simple, Confidential Process in Tioga, TX
The procedure for ordering, conducting, and receiving hair follicle drug test results is designed to be straightforward and private in Tioga, TX. Assurances of confidentiality put individuals' and employers' concerns at ease.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Tioga, TX
Our pricing structures are competitive and turnaround times are fast, ensuring affordability and efficiency for businesses of all sizes in Tioga, TX. These factors combine to provide excellent value alongside peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Tioga, TX
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests are unmatched. These tests deliver high accuracy when it comes to detecting substance use. In Tioga, TX, quick and reliable results help employers and individuals make informed decisions based on thorough and steadfast data.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Tioga, TX
With hair follicle testing, employers can maintain workplace safety and reduce legal risks by ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. This testing method in Tioga, TX is a critical step towards fostering a secure and serene working environment.
