Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective technique for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged account of alcohol and drug intake by embedding biomarkers within the hair's fibers as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal up to a three-month period of alcohol and drug usage. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A cutting of 1.5 inches with around 200 hair strands (similar to the girth of a #2 pencil) near the scalp results in approximately 100mg, which is the optimum amount for testing and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and screenings above 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It's advisable to use a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample's weight. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" specifically means scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other varieties of hair (facial, underarm, etc.).
Process Summary
The testing laboratory follows four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample is initially logged into the lab's system. This step includes confirming that the sample was securely sealed and properly dispatched, issuing a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data input not provided by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening performs a preliminary examination for drug presence. Though Screening is an economical approach to dismiss drug use in the majority of cases, a positive result from Screening must be validated to be valid in legal settings. Any samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
For samples marked as potentially positive during Screening, further hair is retrieved from the initial sample and set for Extraction. Extraction involves isolating drugs from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to methods like urine or oral fluid analysis, which makes hair drug screenings notably challenging.
Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as potentially positive undergo a cleansing process before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the process undergoes scrutiny under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation according to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Caution: Though commonly called "hair follicle tests," the analysis pertains to the hair strand and not the follicle below the scalp
Hair follicle testing is preferred over urine tests due to its superior detection capabilities. Unlike urine tests, hair testing showcases its reliability in identifying drug use through a more extensive analysis window. This makes it a favored choice among organizations enforcing stringent drug policies. The high accuracy level makes it nearly impossible to tamper with results, ensuring reliable and credible findings.
The extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing provides a significant advantage for employers seeking a comprehensive view of an individual's substance usage history. By detecting drugs up to 90 days prior, this method enables a fuller understanding of an applicant or employee’s habits, aiding in making informed hiring and management decisions.
With a significantly reduced risk of sample tampering, hair follicle testing stands out as a trustworthy testing method. The integrity of results provided by this process is unmatched, ensuring that samples remain unadulterated and results are unquestionable. This security enhances the overall reliability of drug testing outcomes, ensuring peace of mind for employers.
Our convenient nationwide testing network includes local facilities in Tuscola, TX, ensuring effortless access to testing services. Quick and hassle-free, these locations provide clients with the flexibility and ease required for efficient drug testing processes, making it simpler to achieve compliance without logistical complications.
The hair follicle testing process is designed to be simple and confidential, addressing concerns of privacy while maintaining a user-friendly approach. Ordering, collecting, and receiving results is made easy, offering peace of mind through every step of the procedure. This ensures a seamless experience, prioritizing the privacy and convenience of all participants.
With competitive pricing and a fast turnaround, hair follicle testing offers excellent value for businesses of all sizes. Our cost-effective solutions provide peace of mind and high-quality results without compromising on budget. These affordable options ensure that maintaining a drug-free workplace is achievable and sustainable for every organization.
Hair follicle tests offer fast and precise results, making them a dependable option for detecting substance use. With the capability to deliver accurate outcomes, this method is trusted by employers and professionals alike. The high accuracy in identifying recent and past drug use ensures a reliable testing process, essential for maintaining safety and compliance within the workplace.
Adopting hair follicle testing is a strategic move for employers to comply with drug-free workplace policies. This method not only enhances legal protection against liabilities but also cultivates a safer working environment. By choosing this reliable testing method, companies affirm their commitment to maintaining a drug-free, productive workspace, offering peace of mind at all organizational levels.
