Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Utilizing hair testing is now regarded as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and drug usage, capturing biomarkers within the strands as hair grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair samples can provide a detection period for drugs and alcohol of up to 3 months. It is straightforward to collect, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, consisting of roughly 200 hair strands (equivalent to the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, provides 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for conducting screening and confirmation tests. For EtG, additional components, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is recommended. It is advisable to weigh the samples using a jeweler's scale. If head hair is unavailable, a similar quantity of body hair can be used. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses other hair types, such as facial or axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the step where a sample is initially integrated into a lab's system. This procedure involves verifying that the specimen was properly sealed and shipped, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional data entry omitted by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the phase where a preliminary, rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse is conducted. While a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in most cases, a positive screen must be confirmed to be valid in legal settings. Samples presumed positive in Screening require additional confirmation.
Should a specimen show a presumptive positive during the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at considerably lower concentrations compared to other methods like urine or oral fluid, making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Confirmation of positive Screening findings is done using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives are washed as necessary before confirmation. The lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and in conformity with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though frequently called "hair follicle tests", the examination exclusively analyzes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair testing distinctly surpasses urine testing on many fronts. In Whitharral, TX, it demonstrates superior accuracy and extends detection periods, making it an elevated choice over urine tests, providing employers with enhanced reliability.
As Western Texas adapts to rigorous safety standards, hair tests reveal broader windows of drug use history. Compared to the traditional urine test, its effectiveness remains unmatched in uncovering prolonged substance use.
The hair follicle test's extended detection window captures drug use history over 90 days, crucial for employers in Whitharral, TX, seeking a comprehensive view of an individual's substance usage.
This extended window not only aids in ensuring a drug-free environment but also provides vital insights into a prospective or current employee's past behavior, setting a solid foundation for informed decisions.
Hair follicle tests offer a nearly foolproof method against tampering, assuring businesses in Whitharral, TX, of the authenticity of results. This robustness significantly reduces the chance of falsification, providing secure and reliable data.
The resilience of hair tests against manipulation ensures that the integrity of the testing process remains intact, giving employers the confidence they need in assessing employee compliance.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient and accessible testing sites across the nation, including local facilities in Whitharral, TX. This network of centers ensures hassle-free testing experiences for all clients.
Our locations are strategically placed to meet the demands of businesses and individuals, providing a streamlined process for necessary drug testing with ease and efficiency.
In Whitharral, TX, our hair testing process remains straightforward and confidential. From ordering to receiving results, we assure clients of privacy and simplicity, addressing all concerns efficiently.
Our user-friendly procedures and commitment to confidentiality alleviate any apprehensions clients may have, allowing them to focus on compliance with complete trust in our services.
Accredited Drug Testing ensures affordable pricing and quick turnaround times in Whitharral, TX, offering unbeatable value. Our structured pricing fits company budgets while guaranteeing swift results.
Businesses, regardless of size, can rely on our services for cost-effective solutions that do not compromise quality or speed, enhancing operational decision-making with timely data.
In Whitharral, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer fast, accurate results that are difficult to dispute. The precision of these tests ensures that any substance use is reliably detected, making them a dependable choice for businesses and legal contexts.
Businesses in Whitharral benefit from the swift, accurate nature of hair tests. With superior technology, these tests deliver quick outcomes, ensuring compliance and safety measures are promptly addressed.
Implementing hair testing grants employers in Whitharral, TX peace of mind, confirming adherence to workplace drug policies. It eliminates legal uncertainties and bolsters workplace security.
By incorporating comprehensive hair analysis, businesses safeguard themselves against liabilities, ensuring operational excellence and promoting a culture of responsibility and safety.
