Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains long-term indicators of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the structure of the hair strand as it grows. When cut closely to the scalp, hair can offer a detection window of up to approximately three months for both alcohol and drugs. It is easy to collect, minimally susceptible to tampering, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of around 200 hairs (roughly the size of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample quantity for both screening and verification. For EtG add-ons and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. It is recommended to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. If hair from the scalp is unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When referring to head hair, this pertains to scalp hair exclusively. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial and axillary hair, etc.).
Process Overview
The process in a laboratory for generating a drug test result involves four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the initial introduction of the sample into the lab's system. Tasks include ensuring the sample was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling in any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a cost-effective method to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive result requires confirmation for it to be validated in legal proceedings. Samples that are suspect positive from Screening require further Confirmation.
Should a sample show a presumptive positive result during Screening, more hair is extracted from the original specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this step, drugs are distilled from hair at a significantly lower concentration in comparison to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive Screening results is achieved through methods such as GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with a presumptive positive result are cleansed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair accreditation and ISO / IEC 17025 compliance.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp
When comparing hair follicle and urine testing in Weches, TX, hair testing emerges superior due to its precision and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which cover a shorter detection window, hair tests provide a thorough depiction of substance use over extended periods. This capability ensures a more accurate understanding of an individual's history, making it advantageous for both employers and legal entities.
The extended detection window of hair follicle testing in Weches, TX, allows for a comprehensive overview of an individual's substance use history. Covering up to 90 days, this test provides employers with valuable insights into the habits of potential or current employees, helping them make informed decisions based on a well-rounded understanding of their drug exposure history.
Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the risk of tampering in Weches, TX, making it a reliable choice for monitoring drug use. Unlike alternative methods that are susceptible to adulteration, hair tests provide unfalsified results. This robustness ensures that outcomes are trustworthy, offering peace of mind for employers and legal professionals alike.
With a network of testing centers nationwide, including accessible options in Weches, TX, Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled convenience. Clients can expect straightforward and swift access to testing services, eliminating barriers to acquiring necessary drug tests. This widespread availability ensures hassle-free service, regardless of location.
The process for hair follicle testing in Weches, TX, is simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, clients experience a straightforward service tailored for privacy. This seamless experience mitigates concerns about the complexity and confidentiality of drug testing, promoting ease of use for all participants.
Accredited Drug Testing in Weches, TX, combines competitive pricing with rapid results in hair follicle testing. This efficient service offers great value by balancing affordability with quick response times, making it accessible to a diverse range of clients and ensuring satisfaction across various company sizes.
Hair follicle drug testing in Weches, TX ensures results that are not only fast but also exceptionally accurate. The precision of these tests lies in their ability to identify substance use with a high degree of reliability, providing stakeholders with confidence in the validity of the outcome. Clients can expect prompt results, enhancing decision-making processes without undue delay.
For employers in Weches, TX, hair follicle testing is a key factor in ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method's reliability reduces legal liabilities and enhances workplace safety, offering peace of mind. By choosing hair testing, businesses uphold high standards of professional integrity, safeguarding both employees and operational efficacy.