Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures biomarkers within the hair strand fibers, offering an extended history of substance use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and simple to send.
A 1.5-inch portion of approximately 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for tests. For EtG, additional tests, or for panels exceeding 10, a sample of 150mg is suggested. Using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen is advised. If scalp hair is not an option, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair indicate scalp hair solely. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial stage where a sample is integrated into the laboratory system. This step checks that the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides a preliminary check for illicit substances. While it offers an affordable way to dismiss drug use in most cases, a positive screening must be validated to be legally acceptable. Samples with a presumptive positive result in Screening need to undergo additional confirmation.
Should a sample yield a presumptive positive in Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are pulled from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or saliva), making hair drug testing a complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screen is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All initially positive samples undergo a wash before confirmation as required. The full lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being called "hair follicle tests," the test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle under the scalp.
In Villa Pancho, TX, hair follicle testing outshines urine analysis by offering superior detection accuracy. The comprehensive approach of hair testing yields reliable identification of drug misuse over extended periods, surpassing the conventional urine tests.
Hair analysis triumphs due to its resistant nature against falsification, making it a preferred choice for those prioritizing stringent substance use oversight.
Villa Pancho, TX employers benefit from hair follicle testing's extensive detection range, capturing a detailed substance history up to 90 days. This extended timeframe aids in forming a thorough review of one's drug use.
The longer detection window allows businesses to assess applicants' or employees' potential as trustworthy, substance-free individuals.
Ensuring sample integrity in Villa Pancho, TX, is straightforward with hair follicle testing, given its tamper-resistant characteristics. The method greatly diminishes risks related to sample adulteration, solidifying its credibility.
This reliable testing protocol yields indisputable results, offering peace of mind with clear, credible outcomes that withstand scrutiny.
Villa Pancho, TX residents and businesses enjoy the convenience of Accredited Drug Testing's broad testing network. With numerous locations nationwide, accessible and efficient testing is always at hand.
Local centers ensure that conducting these crucial tests is anything but burdensome, offering seamless service across the region.
In Villa Pancho, TX, the process of hair follicle testing with Accredited Drug Testing is straightforward and confidential. From ordering to obtaining results, every step prioritizes privacy and simplicity, relieving any process-related stresses.
This emphasis on discretion and ease of use ensures a seamless experience, maintaining client trust and satisfaction.
For Villa Pancho, TX, businesses, the pricing structure for hair follicle testing by Accredited Drug Testing is both competitive and cost-effective, fitting budgets of all sizes. Quick turnaround times complement this affordability, providing excellent value.
This balance of cost and speed delivers peace of mind without compromising the thoroughness or reliability of results.
Villa Pancho, TX, relies on hair follicle drug tests for their speed and reliability. These tests provide precise results, accurately capturing substance use history. The meticulous process enables detection of even minute traces of drugs, offering high precision.
This method's efficiency ensures fast analysis, allowing for quick response times. The process is engineered to deliver thorough data, reducing uncertainty in drug screening.
In Villa Pancho, TX, hair follicle testing reaffirms adherence to drug-free workplace mandates, easing legal concerns. The method supports employers in aligning with policies that mitigate risks and foster a safe work environment.
Implementing this testing approach strengthens employer compliance, enhancing a culture of trust and responsibility.
