Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The recognition of hair testing as an effective means for detecting the use of drugs and alcohol has increased. Hair strands capture biomarkers within their fibers, offering a comprehensive long-term record of alcohol and other substance use. When hair is collected near the scalp, it can reveal alcohol and drug consumption over roughly the past three months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, it is relatively immune to tampering, and it is convenient to transport.
A sample comprising 1.5 inches of approximately 200 hair strands (equivalent to a #2 pencil's thickness) taken closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an ideal quantity for conducting screenings and confirmations. For EtG, additional testing, and/or evaluations exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is preferable. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent mass of body hair may be used. The term "head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key phases in the laboratory evaluation of a drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample within a laboratory's system. This phase includes verifying the sample's proper sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data input that is not furnished by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as a preliminary assessment for drug abuse. While Screening presents a cost-efficient method to negate drug usage for most samples, a confirmation is essential for any positive screen to be legally valid. Presumptively positive samples identified during Screening necessitate additional confirmation.
For samples deemed presumptively positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. During Extraction, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening a more challenging method to execute.
The Confirmation of any positive screening outcome is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation if required. The entire laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes evaluation under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Wadsworth, TX
With superior sensitivity, hair follicle testing often surpasses traditional urine tests. Hair tests offer a broader detection window and are more difficult to tamper with. In contrast to the limited timeframe detected by urine tests, hair testing provides a comprehensive overview of historical drug use.
Extended Detection Window in Wadsworth, TX
Hair follicle testing reveals drug use over an extensive timeframe, often up to 90 days, providing employers with a substantial view of an individual's substance use. This elongated detection period aids employers in evaluating comprehensive drug use behavior, ensuring informed decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Wadsworth, TX
The integrity of hair follicle tests is unmatched, significantly lowering adulteration risks. These tests require direct sample collection, ensuring the results' reliability and trustworthiness. This deters manipulation, safeguarding against deceptive practices.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Wadsworth, TX
Accredited Drug Testing boasts a vast network of testing centers, offering quick and hassle-free access to our services. With numerous locations, clients have no trouble finding a convenient site, ensuring seamless testing experiences.
Simple, Confidential Process in Wadsworth, TX
Our straightforward process for ordering, taking, and receiving test results guarantees client confidentiality. We prioritize privacy and simplicity in our operations to keep our clients at ease throughout their testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Wadsworth, TX
With competitive pricing structures, our hair follicle testing provides both value and peace of mind. We ensure swift turnaround times, making our services accessible to businesses of varying scales, guaranteeing excellent return on investment.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Wadsworth, TX
Hair follicle drug testing stands out for its precision, offering rapid and dependable results. Its capability to accurately identify substance use is invaluable. With meticulous detection methods, hair tests are highly accurate, ensuring confident conclusions about substance consumption.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Wadsworth, TX
Hair follicle testing helps organizations adhere to drug-free workplace policies, cutting down legal risks, and bolstering safety. It showcases a commitment to a secure environment while reducing potential liabilities over policy breaches.
