Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is now viewed as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drugs by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the expanding hair strand. When obtained from near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection window of up to around 3 months for alcohol and drug use. Hair is straightforward to collect, not easily tainted, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp provides 100mg, which is the optimal amount for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is not available, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. By "head hair," we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The key laboratory procedures for processing a drug test outcome are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step of integrating a sample into a laboratory system. This step verifies whether the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, assigns a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening entails a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result must be verified for court acceptance. Samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening need subsequent verification.
If a sample shows a presumptive positive result during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are removed from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), explaining why hair drug screening is among the most complex procedures.
Verification of any positive Screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as needed. The complete laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated according to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests," the analysis actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine tests in West Bexar, TX, the advantages become clear. Hair testing offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, providing longer detection windows and substantial resistance to tampering. This method ensures a thorough examination of an individual's drug use history, unlike urine tests with their shorter detection periods.
Hair follicle testing in West Bexar, TX, extends the capacity to detect drug use over a prolonged duration—up to 90 days. This expansive detection timeframe enables employers to gain a comprehensive view of an applicant or employee's substance history, thus making more informed hiring or disciplinary decisions.
West Bexar, TX, embraces hair follicle drug testing due to its tamper-resistant nature. The method's inherent design significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration, thereby ensuring that the results are trustworthy and incontrovertible, offering peace of mind to those relying on its accuracy.
In West Bexar, TX, the convenience of our nationwide testing centers is unparalleled, with numerous local options available. This accessibility ensures that individuals and organizations can quickly access hassle-free testing services, minimizing the time and effort required to complete the process.
The hair follicle testing process in West Bexar, TX, is both simple and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, the procedure addresses privacy concerns and emphasizes ease of use, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a stress-free experience.
Our competitive pricing structure in West Bexar, TX, coupled with fast turnaround times, reinforces the value we offer to companies of varying sizes. This approach ensures affordability without compromising the speed or quality of our reliable hair follicle drug testing services.
In West Bexar, Texas, the efficiency of hair follicle drug testing is second to none, offering fast and accurate results. Known for its precision, this testing method significantly reduces the wait time for detecting substance use. Its highly accurate analysis makes it an optimal choice for both individuals and organizations seeking reliable screening solutions.
Employers in West Bexar, TX, benefit from the use of hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. By reducing legal risks and promoting a safer working environment, this testing method offers companies a sense of assurance and compliance, contributing to their overall peace of mind.
