Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is becoming recognized as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol usage. The hair captures a lasting record of alcohol and drug exposure by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they develop. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers approximately a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. It is straightforward to collect, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands (roughly the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and validation. For EtG, additional components, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advised to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, we refer specifically to scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary processing of a sample into a lab’s system. This includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial rapid test for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to rule out drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be confirmed for legal admissibility. Any samples that test presumptively positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the original specimen and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a substantially lower concentration than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation, as necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the test evaluates the hair strand, not the hair follicle beneath the scalp
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Trinidad, TX Hair testing offers greater detection accuracy and reliability compared to urine tests. While urine tests are common, hair follicle tests provide a broader detection window, capturing drug use over a longer period. Employers and courts favor hair tests for their comprehensive and precise detection capabilities, reducing the likelihood of incorrect results.
Extended Detection Window in Trinidad, TX Hair follicle tests shine in their ability to reveal drug use over a prolonged time, up to 90 days, offering a detailed overview of an individual's substance history. Employers in Trinidad, TX can rely on this comprehensive insight, assisting them in making informed decisions based on historical drug use patterns.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Trinidad, TX Hair follicle testing significantly reduces the risks of sample adulteration. In Trinidad, TX, this method ensures that the results are both reliable and irrefutable, offering a sturdy defense against result manipulation, thereby maintaining the integrity of drug testing processes for all involved parties.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Trinidad, TX Our testing services in Trinidad, TX, are part of a wide-ranging network that offers convenience and ease. With numerous centers across the nation, accessing our services is straightforward and hassle-free, ensuring quick access to essential testing with minimal inconvenience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Trinidad, TX Our process in Trinidad, TX, for ordering and conducting hair follicle tests is straightforward and discreet. Emphasizing privacy, our system ensures that taking the test and receiving results is private and seamless, catering to concerns regarding confidentiality with utmost importance.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Trinidad, TX We offer competitive pricing structures in Trinidad, TX, ensuring our hair follicle testing services are accessible to businesses of all sizes. Coupled with swift turnaround times, our services provide excellent value, delivering peace of mind through both cost and efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Trinidad, TX Hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled precision and speed. In Trinidad, TX, individuals and businesses benefit from rapid, accurate substance use detection. These tests identify drug use efficiently, providing results that can be vital for both employers and individuals seeking clarity on drug use history.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Trinidad, TX By employing hair follicle testing in Trinidad, TX, employers ensure compliance with drug-free workplace mandates, reducing legal liability and enhancing safety. The rigorous testing reinforces a secure environment, offering peace of mind and upholding company policies effectively.
