Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for uncovering drug and alcohol usage. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug consumption by encapsulating biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reflect drug and alcohol use over approximately three months. Hair is easy to collect, challenging to adulterate, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (around the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests surpassing 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. In cases where scalp hair is absent, a comparable quantity of body hair can be collected. References to head hair pertain solely to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory's system, involving the verification of sample sealing and shipping, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any pending data entry not provided by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a swift initial check for presence of abuse drugs. While cost-effective, a positive screen must be confirmed for court admissibility. Any samples presumptively positive in Screening require subsequent confirmation.
Should a sample test presumptively positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluids), making hair drug screening the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation holds reviews under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accredits to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the analysis actually evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Westbrook, TXHair testing prevails over traditional urine tests due to its superior accuracy and reliability.
Unlike urine tests, hair samples offer an extended detection window, making it harder to mask substance use.
Extended Detection Window in Westbrook, TXHair follicle tests offer an extensive 90-day window to track drug use, unlike shorter timelines of urine tests.
This provides employers a detailed account of an individual's drug history, crucial for informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Westbrook, TXHair follicle testing resists tampering, delivering sound and reliable analytical outcomes.
This integrity reduces prospects of result manipulation.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Westbrook, TXOur expansive network of testing centers ensures quick and hassle-free access to services.
With locations nationwide, getting tested has never been easier or more accessible.
Simple, Confidential Process in Westbrook, TXOur testing procedure is straightforward and private, ensuring ease and discretion throughout.
From ordering to receiving results, we prioritize confidentiality and user-friendliness.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Westbrook, TXWe offer competitive pricing alongside quick turnaround times, ensuring excellent value for businesses.
These services assure both affordability and rapid results without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Westbrook, TXHair follicle drug testing offers unparalleled precision and speed, ensuring accurate detection of substance use.
This method captures a detailed history of drug usage, providing results that employers trust.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Westbrook, TXEmploying hair follicle tests aligns with drug-free workplace directives, easing legal and safety concerns.
These tests enhance compliance and ensure a secure work atmosphere.