Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is regarded as a robust technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair encapsulates a prolonged record of alcohol and other drugs by preserving biomarkers in the strands of the hair as it grows. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection timeframe of up to around 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. The collection of hair is straightforward, relatively challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch specimen of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. We advise utilizing a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. In the absence of scalp hair, a comparable quantity of body hair may be gathered. When mentioning head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing steps for a drug test result mainly include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into a laboratory’s database. This stage includes affirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves an initial swift drug abuse check. Screening is an economical method to exclude drug usage on most samples, though a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Samples that are presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a follow-up confirmation.
Should a specimen test presumptively positive in Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are withdrawn from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which renders hair drug screening a challenging methodology to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Outperforms Urine Testing in Vernon, TX
Hair testing offers enhanced detection accuracy compared to urine tests. Hair follicle tests examine a longer consumption history, ensuring a more comprehensive analysis. This method's reliability makes it a preferred choice for maintaining strict drug-free environments.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Vernon, TX, allows for a thorough review of an individual's substance use over up to 90 days. This provides employers with detailed insights into an applicant's or employee's drug history, supporting better hiring decisions.
Hair follicle drug testing in Vernon, TX, ensures a tamper-resistant examination process. This significantly decreases the chances of sample manipulation, delivering credible and unquestionable results. The integrity of the testing process is maintained, providing peace of mind.
Convenience defines Accredited Drug Testing's nationwide and local centers, including those in Vernon, TX. Our extensive network ensures quick and hassle-free testing operations, connecting clients to necessary services effortlessly.
The process of hair follicle testing in Vernon, TX, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step is crafted to respect privacy and ease of use, addressing any concerns clients might harbor about confidentiality.
Our Vernon, TX-based hair follicle testing services offer competitive pricing and prompt turnarounds. These factors provide excellent value, enabling companies of all sizes to benefit from reliable testing without burdening expenditures.
Hair follicle drug tests in Vernon, TX, offer swift and precise results. They boast high accuracy in identifying substance use, providing a dependable testing option. The speed and precision of these tests are essential for professionals seeking reliable outcomes, enhancing decision-making processes.
Employers in Vernon, TX, gain compliance and peace of mind through hair follicle testing. Adhering to workplace drug-free standards reduces legal risks and improves workplace safety, reinforcing company policies and contributing to a secure working environment.
