Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair examinations have increasingly been regarded as a formidable instrument for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair possesses the ability to capture a prolonged record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the developing hair shaft. When taken near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection period of up to nearly 90 days for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, moderately challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both analysis and confirmation. For EtG, supplementary tests, and/or those exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is advised to weigh the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent volume of body hair may be substituted. The term head hair is used specifically to denote scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other varieties (beard, underarm, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary four stages involved in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial incorporation of a specimen into a lab’s procedure. This entails confirming that the specimen was properly sealed and transported, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening pertains to an initial expedited examination for illicit substances. Although Screening is a cost-efficient method to rule out drug consumption in the majority of specimens, a positive screen must be corroborated to be accepted in judicial proceedings. Examples yielding a presumptive positive in Screening necessitate a subsequent verification.
If a specimen registers as presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. Here, substances are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug examinations the most challenging methodology to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed through techniques such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives undergo a washing procedure before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation alongside the ISO / IEC 17025 standard accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed "hair follicle tests", the assessment analyzes the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle drug testing is increasingly preferred over traditional urine tests in Webb, TX. The advantages include superior detection capabilities and reliability. With hair testing, there’s a broader look into drug use history, as it can reveal substance presence long after use. This allows for a more accurate and dependable result, making it the method of choice for many employers and organizations.
In Webb, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer a significant advantage with their extended detection window. Capable of revealing drug use up to 90 days prior, these tests provide comprehensive insights into an individual's substance history. Employers benefit from this by having a clearer understanding of a candidate or employee's potential drug use over a longer period.
Ensuring the integrity of drug tests is crucial, and hair follicle testing in Webb, TX, effectively guards against tampering. This method minimizes risks associated with sample tampering, offering a trustworthy solution for reliable drug testing. The collection process also supports this reliability, as manipulating hair samples is much more challenging compared to other test types.
Nationwide accessibility is a key benefit of our testing services, including local options in Webb, TX. Our extensive testing network ensures that everyone can quickly and easily access the necessary drug testing facilities without hassle. This convenience allows for time-efficient service whether you are in your local area or elsewhere.
In Webb, TX, our hair follicle testing process is designed to be both simple and confidential. From ordering to testing to receiving results, every step is streamlined, addressing privacy and ease. Clients can be confident in the discreet handling of their information, appreciating the straightforward and user-friendly approach.
Our competitive pricing in Webb, TX offers companies efficient drug testing solutions without breaking the bank. The combination of our affordable services and rapid turnaround times provides outstanding value. Organizations can benefit from fast results that secure peace of mind, ensuring they meet their workplace drug policy requirements effectively and economically.
The advantage of hair follicle testing in Webb, TX is seen in its exceptional precision and speed. These tests stand out for their ability to swiftly and accurately pinpoint substance use. Unlike other methods, hair analysis provides fast results without compromising reliability, making it a preferred choice for those seeking accurate detection quickly.
Hair follicle testing in Webb, TX contributes significantly to maintaining drug-free workplaces, fostering employer confidence. By implementing such tests, employers ensure compliance with stringent drug policies, thus mitigating potential legal risks. This testing method offers peace of mind, knowing that workplace safety is being actively monitored and upheld.
