Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged timeline of substance usage by trapping biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can show evidence of alcohol and drugs for up to about three months. The collection of hair is uncomplicated, resists tampering, and is straightforward to transport.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is ideal for both screening and confirmation processes. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a sample weighing 150mg is advised. We recommend using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a comparable quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it refers solely to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial processing into the lab’s system. This step ensures that the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for the presence of substances. While cost-efficient and suitable for ruling out the majority of drug usage, a positive result necessitates further verification to be legally admissible. Samples that preliminarily test positive during screening must undergo secondary confirmation.
In cases where the sample is preliminarily positive in Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. In this process, the substance is extracted from the hair at much lower concentrations than other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methods to execute.
Confirmation of any positive results from screening is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test presumptively positive are washed as needed before confirmation. The entire laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and complies with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually focuses on the strands of hair rather than the follicles below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Villa Verde, TX
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests, the hair method emerges as more accurate and reliable. Hair tests detect substances over a longer term and are more difficult to manipulate. Employers and legal bodies prefer hair testing for its superior ability to reveal long-term drug usage patterns, offering a clear advantage over urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Villa Verde, TX
Hair follicle testing offers a significant benefit with its extended detection timeframe, capturing drug use history up to 90 days prior. This feature provides employers with a thorough understanding of an individual’s substance habits, aiding informed hiring and employment decisions. It's an invaluable tool for long-term substance use assessment.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Villa Verde, TX
The integrity of hair follicle testing makes it a premier choice in combating sample adulteration. With its nearly foolproof collection and analysis process, this method ensures reliable and indisputable results, maintaining the integrity required for critical decision-making in professional environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Villa Verde, TX
With our extensive network of testing centers, accessing services is quick and hassle-free. Whether you're in Villa Verde or any other city, our locations provide the convenience and speed needed to manage testing efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to your schedule.
Simple, Confidential Process in Villa Verde, TX
Navigating drug testing is straightforward with our simple and private procedures. From ordering to testing and receiving results, our process is designed to ensure ease and confidentiality, addressing privacy concerns while delivering dependable and discreet outcomes for all clients.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Villa Verde, TX
Our competitive pricing paired with swift turnaround times ensures exceptional value for businesses of any size. Providing fast and cost-effective solutions, we cater to the needs of companies seeking reliable testing without straining budgets, promoting peace of mind and efficient operations.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Villa Verde, TX
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their precision and rapid reporting. Unlike other testing methods, this test boasts a high level of accuracy, delivering quick results that reflect substance use correctly. This reliability is ideal for both personal and professional settings, where timely and trustworthy outcomes are critical in decision-making processes.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Villa Verde, TX
Employing hair follicle testing can significantly boost workplace compliance with drug policies, mitigating legal liabilities and enhancing safety. This method reassures employers by upholding a drug-free workplace, safeguarding against potential risks, and ensuring a stable and secure professional environment.
