Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests have gained reputation as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The strands offer an extended timeline of drug and alcohol ingestion by capturing biomarkers within the developing fibers. When obtained near the scalp, hair tests can detect substances for up to about three months. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal quantity for both initial screening and validation. For EtG, supplementary evaluations, and assessments exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not accessible, a comparable amount of hair from other body areas can be obtained. In the context of head hair, we are solely discussing scalp hair. Body hair denotes any other hair type (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key steps in the lab processing of a drug test include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the initial admittance of a sample into a laboratory setup. This stage verifies proper sealing and shipping of the specimen, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and encompasses any auxiliary data recording not covered by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening provides a preliminary examination for signs of drug abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly approach to dismiss drug usage for the bulk of samples, a confirmed screen is necessary for the results to stand in court. Samples that yield a presumptive positive from Screening will require further confirmation.
For samples yielding a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the primary sample and set for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at a considerably lower concentration than alternative methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening a challenging procedure to conduct.
Verification of any positive screening outcome, executed by GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS, is carried out subsequently. All samples signaling presumptive positive outcomes undergo cleansing prior to confirmation if required. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes assessment under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair distinction and accreditation per ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While often denoted as "hair follicle tests," the procedure actually assesses the hair strand itself, rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing In Valley View, TX, hair follicle tests offer a wider detection window for drug use compared to urine tests, giving them an edge in accuracy. Such tests provide an unparalleled view of drug consumption history, proving more reliable for employers seeking comprehensive insights into an individual's substance habits.
Extended Detection Window Hair testing in Valley View, TX, unveils drug use over an extended period—up to 90 days—offering employers a thorough examination of someone's past substance usage. This prolonged detection window sets it apart from other testing methods, ensuring that even older drug use is accounted for comprehensively and reliably.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method The hair follicle testing process significantly minimizes the risk of sample tampering, guaranteeing dependable results in Valley View, TX. Ensuring sample integrity throughout means employers can rest assured that the outcomes reflect an accurate history free of manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations Valued clients in Valley View, TX, benefit from our accessible network across the nation, allowing effortless access to drug testing services. Whether you’re local or in another city, our centers deliver convenient, swift, and stress-free testing to accommodate diverse needs.
Simple, Confidential Process At our Valley View, TX locations, we ensure that the hair follicle testing process remains simple and confidential. The easy ordering, collecting, and result-receiving procedures focus on safeguarding privacy, assuring individuals of discreet and effective testing.
Our approach consistently delivers clarity and trust.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround Our Valley View, TX testing services offer competitive rates combined with quick turnaround times, providing excellent value for businesses of all sizes. This affordability paired with efficiency means you're working with a partner focused on fast yet reliable solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results Hair follicle drug testing in Valley View, TX, ensures quick and highly accurate detection of drug use, a major asset in today's fast-paced environment.
Their state-of-the-art methods outperform traditional tests, streamlining the path to reliable results, allowing rapid decision-making back at your business.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers Utilizing hair follicle testing aids employers in Valley View, TX, to stay compliant with drug-free workplace policies, lowering legal risks while boosting workplace safety. The enhanced reliability of this method provides peace of mind, knowing that hiring decisions are supported by legitimate, thorough analyses.
