Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a comprehensive history of drug and alcohol markers by embedding them within the fibers of the hair strand as it grows. When acquired near the scalp, hair can offer a detection period of up to roughly 90 days for various substances. The collection process is straightforward, alterations are challenging, and it’s easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair portion containing approximately 200 strands (about the width of a #2 pencil) next to the scalp yields 100mg, which is considered optimal for testing and confirmation. For tests including EtG, add-ons, and those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of hair is preferable. It’s advisable to measure using a jeweler’s scale. In cases where scalp hair cannot be procured, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. When we refer to head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair denotes all other types, including facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The drug testing process in a laboratory includes these key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into a lab’s system. This phase involves ensuring the sample’s proper sealing and transport, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data unless already included by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary examination for substance misuse. Although it’s an economical approach for eliminating drug use in most cases, further verification is essential for legal admissibility in the event of a positive result. Samples deemed presumptively positive in Screening necessitate additional verification.
For samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening, extra hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. Drugs are isolated from the hair at concentrations significantly lower than in other testing methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug tests.
Any sample with a positive screen is confirmed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that show presumptive positivity are cleansed before confirmation if required. The full laboratory process from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review under CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation alongside ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently dubbed as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually assesses the hair strand and not the follicle under the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Vincent, TX
When comparing hair follicle and urine tests, the former outshines with superior detection accuracy. Hair tests offer extended detection windows and are less susceptible to external manipulation.
Urine tests might fail to capture long-term drug use, whereas hair tests provide a detailed account over a longer period.
Extended Detection Window in Vincent, TX
The primary edge of hair follicle testing is its ability to detect drug use over up to 90 days. Such tests offer a thorough perspective on an individual's history, making them ideal for assessing long-term drug use.
Employers can significantly benefit from this extended window as they evaluate candidate or employee histories.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Vincent, TX
One of the hallmarks of hair follicle drug tests is their resistance to tampering. This reliability ensures that results remain uncontested and trustworthy.
As samples are less prone to adulteration, hair tests guarantee authenticity and accuracy, making them a preferred choice.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Vincent, TX
With our accessible testing centers spread throughout the nation, including locally in Vincent, TX, drug testing has never been easier.
Our wide-reaching network ensures you can access testing services without hassle, ensuring quick and efficient service wherever you may be.
Simple, Confidential Process in Vincent, TX
The straightforward procedure of ordering, undergoing, and receiving hair test results addresses privacy concerns effectively.
Your information remains confidential throughout, from testing initiation to result acquisition, providing peace of mind while ensuring user-friendliness and convenience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Vincent, TX
We offer competitive pricing structures with quick result turnaround times, ensuring companies of various sizes achieve excellent value.
The combination of affordability and efficiency reinforces the appeal of choosing hair follicle testing for your drug screening needs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Vincent, TX
Hair follicle drug tests stand out due to their precision in substance detection, offering timely and dependable results. These tests provide a thorough overview, helping to meet the needs of employers and individuals seeking reliable drug testing solutions.
Speed and accuracy of results are crucial in today’s fast-paced environment, and with hair testing, you gain both.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Vincent, TX
Incorporating hair follicle testing into workplace policies provides legal protection while promoting a drug-free environment.
Employers can assure both safety and compliance, mitigating risks associated with substance misuse, thus creating a secure workplace atmosphere.
