Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a prolonged record of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair strand. Collected near the scalp, hair offers nearly up to a 3-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and convenient to transport.
A sample size of 1.5 inches consisting of around 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for screening and verification. For testing that includes EtG, add-ons, and more than 10 panels, a total of 150mg of the specimen is advisable. We suggest utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is absent, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair specifically relate to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory handling of drug test results involves these four critical steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial phase of integrating a sample into the lab’s system. This step verifies that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary evaluation to detect drugs of abuse. Although it’s feasible to exclude drug usage via Screening for most samples, any positive findings must be confirmed to be eligible for legal purposes. Samples with presumptive positives in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.
Should a sample register as presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for preparation in the Extraction stage. Here, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluids), making hair drug testing the most intricate methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive from the Screening involves GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Presumptive positive samples undergo necessary washing before confirmation. From Accessioning through Confirmation, the complete laboratory process is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle underneath the scalp
In Troy, TX, hair follicle testing is favored over traditional urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests offer a broader window of detection and consistency, providing more reliable results for entities enforcing drug-free policies.
Unlike urine tests, which can be limited by short detection periods, hair testing identifies prolonged substance use, offering a thorough examination of an individual's drug history, thereby enhancing trust in workplace safety.
The extended detection window of hair follicle tests in Troy, TX, offers employers insight into drug use over the past 90 days. This comprehensive view benefits those assessing potential or current employees' substance histories.
Employers gain from this insight, making informed decisions regarding hiring or maintaining personnel. The lengthy detection period ensures no recent substance use goes unnoticed during evaluation.
Hair follicle testing methods in Troy, TX, are significantly more tamper-resistant compared to other tests. This method minimizes sample adulteration risks, ensuring test results remain trustworthy and valid.
By eliminating chances of manipulation, hair tests maintain integrity, providing stakeholders with confidence in the results they receive, vital for adherence to strict drug-use policies.
Our testing centers in Troy, TX, and nationwide make accessing services easy and hassle-free. Convenient locations ensure that obtaining a hair follicle test is straightforward, saving time and simplifying logistics.
Whether locally or in other cities, our network ensures swift service, enabling individuals and employers alike to have their testing needs met efficiently without unnecessary complications.
In Troy, TX, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential, ensuring privacy and ease from test ordering to results acquisition. This streamlined method addresses privacy concerns effectively.
Maintaining confidentiality, the process guarantees that personal information is protected, providing a smooth and secure experience for all participants, alleviating worries about privacy breaches.
Hair follicle testing in Troy, TX, offers competitive pricing and quick turnaround times, appealing to businesses of all scales. Our pricing ensures excellent value, making drug testing accessible and affordable.
Swift result delivery complements the cost-effectiveness, giving peace of mind to companies, ensuring they have the resources to maintain drug-free workplace policies efficiently and economically.
Hair follicle drug tests in Troy, TX, are renowned for their speed and precision in detecting substance use. With highly accurate results, these tests provide valuable insights for employers and institutions seeking reliable data on drug use.
Due to their meticulous process, hair follicle tests reduce false positives, ensuring confidence in the outcome. Fast processing times further enhance their reputation as the premier choice for accurate substance detection.
For employers in Troy, TX, implementing hair follicle testing promotes compliance with drug-free workplace mandates. This ensures adherence to regulations, reducing potential legal issues and boosting workplace safety.
By adopting such robust testing measures, employers create an environment of transparency and compliance, giving them peace of mind that policies are upheld effectively.
