Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is recognized as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. The fibers of hair capture biomarkers, offering an extended record of substance use as the hair grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. Its collection is straightforward, tampering is challenging, and shipping is convenient.
A 1.5-inch clip of approximately 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests over 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. It’s best to weigh the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, collect an equal portion of body hair. When mentioning head hair, we mean scalp hair only. Body hair encompasses other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four primary steps in the lab processing of a drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning handles the initial entry of a sample into the lab system, ensuring the sample was correctly sealed and sent, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any extra data entry not available through an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial speed check for drug abuse. Screening effectively rules out drug usage in most samples cost-effectively, but a positive result requires confirmation to be legally acceptable. Samples that test positive during Screening must undergo additional confirmation.
If a Screening stage shows a presumptive positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this part, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methods (ex. urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of positive screening results is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation as required. The entire laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is reviewed under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Outpaces Urine Testing in Wilmer, TX
In Wilmer, Texas, hair follicle testing stands out against urine testing due to its longevity in detection. While traditional urine tests offer a limited timeframe, hair tests reveal up to 90 days of drug history. The enhanced accuracy and minimal room for manipulation make hair testing a preferred choice.
Extensive Detection Periods: Hair Tests in Wilmer, TX
Employers in Wilmer, Texas gain insights into prolonged substance history through hair follicle testing. Capable of detecting drug use up to 90 days prior, this method provides a broader scope of an individual's habits. Employers benefit from this comprehensive overview, ensuring informed decisions in the hiring and monitoring process.
Secured Testing: Hair Follicle Method in Wilmer, TX
The reliability of hair follicle tests in Wilmer, Texas lies in their resistance to tampering. This method significantly reduces adulteration risks, ensuring that results are both reliable and accurate. Such security fosters trust in the testing process, crucial for organizations and individuals seeking certainty.
Widespread Convenience: Testing Availability in Wilmer, TX
With extensive testing centers nationwide, including in Wilmer, Texas, hair follicle testing is accessible and hassle-free. This broad network ensures that individuals and organizations can easily avail themselves of necessary testing without unnecessary travel or delay, promoting a seamless testing experience.
Effortless and Discreet: Testing Process in Wilmer, TX
Simplicity meets confidentiality in the hair follicle testing process in Wilmer, Texas. From ordering to obtaining results, the path is straightforward. Privacy concerns are deftly addressed, ensuring the process remains private and respectful, offering reassurance to all participating parties.
Competitive Pricing: Quick Turnaround in Wilmer, TX
Wilmer, Texas offers economically viable hair follicle testing with swift results. Companies appreciate the affordability and promptness, ensuring great value and peace of mind while maximizing benefits across diverse workplace sizes and needs.
Fast and Accurate: Hair Testing in Wilmer, TX
For speedy results in Wilmer, Texas, turn to hair follicle testing. Known for their precision and rapid turnaround, these tests offer a reliable assessment of substance use. Within days, receive dependable outcomes, allowing for swift decision-making based on accurate data. Businesses and individuals alike benefit from such efficiency.
Peace of Mind: Compliance with Hair Testing in Wilmer, TX
Ensuring compliance with drug-free workplace policies in Wilmer, Texas is simplified with hair follicle tests. By minimizing legal risks and enhancing safety standards, employers experience peace of mind. This thorough approach contributes significantly to a safer, more reliable workplace environment.
