Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is recognized as an effective resource for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures long-term usage patterns by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair strand. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer up to a roughly 3-month window for detecting alcohol and other substances. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to dispatch.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising around 200 strands (approximately the width of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, equates to 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for both screening and confirming tests. For EtG, additional tests, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. It's advisable to weigh the sample on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not an option, a proportional amount of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers to scalp hair specifically. Body hair covers all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process for laboratory assessment of drug test outcomes encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning covers the initial integration of a sample into a lab’s procedures. This step involves ensuring the sample's secure seal and proper shipment, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any additional record management not supplied by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening entails a swift preliminary evaluation for drugs of potential misuse. Although Screening is a budget-friendly strategy for negating drug use in most cases, a positive screen mandates Confirmation for validity in legal proceedings. Any samples that test presumptive positive during Screening need further confirmation.
Upon receiving a presumptive positive from Screening, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This step extracts drugs from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which establishes hair drug testing as the most complex methodology.
Positive results in screening are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before Confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes evaluation under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the actual examination inspects the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vanderpool, TX
Hair tests surpass conventional urine tests with their extended detection times and accuracy. Hair analysis offers unparalleled reliability in identifying substance use histories, proving ideal for employers who need precise and long-term detection data.
Extended Detection Window in Vanderpool, TX
Hair follicle testing excels with a detection window of up to 90 days, enabling employers to gain comprehensive insights into substance use history. This method outshines others by providing thorough information crucial for informed decision-making.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vanderpool, TX
Hair follicle testing minimizes the risk of sample tampering, ensuring immaculate reliability. Employing this robust method guarantees unadulterated results, greatly reducing opportunities for manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vanderpool, TX
With numerous testing centers countrywide, including near Vanderpool, accessing hair follicle testing services is both simple and efficient, ensuring a swift and hassle-free experience.
Simple, Confidential Process in Vanderpool, TX
Ordering, conducting, and receiving hair test results is straightforward and private. This process addresses privacy concerns effortlessly, offering a user-friendly approach to meeting testing needs.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vanderpool, TX
Competitive pricing and prompt reporting underscore our excellent value proposition, making our hair follicle testing service an attractive option for businesses of all sizes seeking economic yet reliable solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Vanderpool, TX
Hair follicle testing provides swift and precise drug use detection, outstanding in its accuracy and dependability. The method efficiently identifies substance presence, offering results trustworthy for various needs. In Vanderpool, this means agile and reliable support for drug testing needs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vanderpool, TX
By implementing hair follicle testing, businesses comply with drug-free policies, mitigating legal challenges and fostering a safer workplace. This testing method facilitates enhanced workplace safety and peace of mind for employers.
