Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective technique for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. By capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair shaft, hair offers a comprehensive historical record of alcohol and drug use. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can reveal drug and alcohol use over a duration of up to three months. Hair is easy to obtain, relatively resistant to tampering, and convenient for transportation.
A 1.5-inch section comprising approximately 200 hair strands (roughly equivalent to the thickness of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the ideal quantity for both initial screening and verification. For EtG tests or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale is recommended for accurate measurement. If head hair is not available, an equivalent portion of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other types such as facial and underarm hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test result encompasses four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
In Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into the lab’s processing system. This involves ensuring the sample was properly sealed and delivered, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any remaining data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial evaluation for drug presence. Although Screening serves as an efficient method to exclude drugs in the bulk of samples, confirmation is required for any positive results to be valid in legal settings. Presumptively positive samples from Screening necessitate further confirmation testing.
When a sample is deemed presumptively positive at the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction process. This phase involves isolating drugs from the hair at lower concentrations compared to other techniques (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods are used for Confirmation of positive Screening outcomes. All presumptive positive samples receive cleaning prior to confirmation as required. The complete laboratory workflow, from Accessioning through Confirmation, is audited in accordance with the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair certification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The test often labeled as "hair follicle tests" actually analyzes the hair itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Excels Over Urine Testing in Yancey, TX: Unlike traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests offer extended detection windows and superior accuracy. Employers and legal entities benefit from the enhanced reliability of hair testing, which helps in enforcing stringent drug policies effectively.
Extended Detection Period in Yancey, TX: Hair follicle tests offer an unmatched window of detection, up to 90 days, providing employers with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history. This long-term detection is pivotal for comprehensive background checks.
Tamper-Resistant Certification in Yancey, TX: Hair follicle testing significantly reduces sample tampering risks, delivering trustworthy and indisputable results. This reliability ensures adherence to compliance and policy enforcement in various professional settings.
Convenient Nationwide and Local Access in Yancey, TX: Our widespread testing centers offer easy access across the nation, including local options in Yancey. This accessibility bridges the gap between employers and reliable drug testing services.
Simple and Confidential Testing Process in Yancey, TX: Our streamlined process ensures simplicity and privacy from ordering to obtaining results. Clients can trust in our commitment to safeguarding personal information and providing a seamless experience.
Economical Pricing and Rapid Turnaround in Yancey, TX: We pride ourselves on competitive pricing and quick results, offering outstanding value for businesses of any size. This efficiency empowers companies to make timely and informed decisions.
In Yancey, TX, the hair follicle drug test is renowned for its fast, accurate, and reliable results. This method offers precision in detecting a wide range of substances, ensuring high accuracy. Hair testing swiftly delivers results, confirming its efficacy in maintaining a drug-free environment.
Compliance Assurance and Employer Peace of Mind in Yancey, TX: By using hair follicle testing, employers can ensure adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal challenges and enhancing workplace security, leading to a safer work environment.
