Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as a robust method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of substance use by capturing biological markers inside the fibers of the hair as it grows. When taken near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate three-month period for detecting alcohol and drug usage. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, roughly containing 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or screenings beyond 10 panels, 150mg of hair is advised. It's recommended to weigh the hair on a scale suited for jewelry. If scalp hair is not available, an identical amount of body hair is an alternative. When we talk about head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (such as facial or underarm hair).
Process Overview
The lab processes drug test results through four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial phase of incorporating a sample into a lab's system. This step includes ensuring the sample was properly sealed and transferred, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any missing data entries not captured by an electronic tracking system.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid assessment for substances of abuse. Although Screening is an economical method to eliminate drug use for most samples, any positive indication requires confirmation to be valid in legal settings. Samples showing presumed positives in Screening necessitate a follow-up validation.
When a sample tests as presumptively positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from the initial sample to prepare for Extraction. Here, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), which is why hair testing is a highly challenging method to execute.
Confirmation for any positive screening is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumed positive samples undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The comprehensive lab procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is assessed according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and the certification for ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly named "hair follicle tests", this assessment evaluates the hair strand and not the follicle underneath the scalp
Our testing methods clearly show why hair follicle tests surpass urine tests in Whitsett, TX. Hair testing offers a superior range of detection and enhanced reliability compared to traditional urine testing, allowing for a more detailed understanding of substance usage.
Whitsett, TX benefits from hair follicle drug testing as it provides an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long-term view helps employers gain a thorough and accurate insight into an applicant's or employee's drug use history.
Hair follicle testing in Whitsett, TX offers a crucial advantage: significant resistance to tampering. The rigorous collection and analysis process minimizes the chances of adulteration, ensuring the credibility of results that are vital for decision-making.
Our convenient testing locations, both nationwide and locally in Whitsett, TX, demonstrate our commitment to accessibility. This network ensures prompt, simple, and stress-free access to testing services whenever needed.
The process for hair follicle testing in Whitsett, TX is both straightforward and confidential. Clients can order, test, and obtain results with ease and privacy, addressing any concerns over the complexity and confidentiality of the process.
In Whitsett, TX, we offer affordable pricing and speedy service for hair follicle testing. Our competitive pricing structures, coupled with swift turnaround times, provide excellent value to companies of every size, ensuring peace of mind.
Located in Whitsett, TX, our hair follicle tests are known for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results. These tests use advanced techniques to precisely identify substance use, leaving no room for error, ensuring that you get the highest level of detection accuracy.
Employers in Whitsett, TX can find comfort in using hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free policies. By ensuring compliance, companies reduce their legal risks and reinforce a safe, productive work environment.
