Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now considered a potent means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and substance use by storing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When a sample is taken near the scalp, it can reveal substance use over a window of nearly 3 months. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch lock comprising roughly 200 hair fibers (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the preferred amount for both screening and validation. For EtG, additional assessments, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advised. It's advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar volume of body hair can be used. 'Head hair' refers exclusively to scalp hair in this context. 'Body hair' includes all non-scalp hair types, such as facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The lab processing of a drug test comprises Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning means incorporating a sample into a laboratory's system initially. This step ensures the sample was securely sealed and transported, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills any missing data entry not available from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening executes a quick preliminary check for drug presence. Though cost-effective for most samples, any positive screening results must be proven to be valid in legal settings. Presumptively positive samples from Screening need a follow-up confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction. During this stage, drugs get extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or saliva, highlighting hair drug testing's complexity.
Confirmation for any positive screening result is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. Each step from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite the term "hair follicle tests", the test focuses on analyzing the hair shaft, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
The Superiority of Hair Over Urine Tests
Hair follicle testing offers enhanced accuracy compared to urine tests in Van Horn Rural, TX. With its longer detection window, hair testing can identify drug use that might be missed by traditional urine analysis, offering employers a more robust option for reliable screening practices.
Expansive Detection Period with Hair Testing
Employers in Van Horn Rural, TX benefit from the extensive detection period hair follicle tests offer. With the ability to uncover drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests provide a comprehensive overview of an employee's substance history, facilitating informed workforce management decisions.
Minimized Risk of Tampering
In Van Horn Rural, TX, hair follicle tests greatly mitigate the risk of tampering, ensuring dependable results. The nature of the hair sample makes it incredibly challenging to alter, assuring that outcomes are genuine reflections of an individual's substance use.
Convenience of Nationwide Testing
Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network of locations, including Van Horn Rural, TX, offers unparalleled ease of access to testing services. This widespread coverage ensures seamless, hassle-free testing experiences for individuals and organizations alike.
Straightforward and Private
At Accredited Drug Testing in Van Horn Rural, TX, the process is made to be straightforward and confidential. From booking the test to receiving results, privacy is respected, offering ease and reassurance throughout the procedure, addressing any privacy concerns effectively.
Value with Competitive Pricing
In Van Horn Rural, TX, Accredited Drug Testing combines affordability with rapid result turnaround. Our competitive pricing caters to businesses of all scales, ensuring exceptional value while providing companies with reliable and prompt testing services.
Exceptional Precision and Speed in Testing
In Van Horn Rural, TX, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for delivering swift and precise outcomes. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use ensures they stand out as reliable options for discerning testing requirements. The efficiency of hair testing provides peace of mind to those seeking results that reflect true substance history.
Ensuring Compliance and Safety
Adopting hair follicle testing in Van Horn Rural, TX supports adherence to workplace drug policies, enhancing safety and reducing legal risks. This testing method provides employers with the confidence that all employees abide by a drug-free policy, fostering a safer work environment.
