Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now recognized as a robust method for detecting alcohol and drug usage. It offers a comprehensive historical record of substance use by capturing biomarkers within the hair strand as it grows. Collected near the scalp, hair can reflect drug and alcohol consumption for up to a three-month duration. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample with approximately 200 strands (similar in diameter to a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is ideal for testing purposes. For EtG, additional checks, or tests beyond 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferable. Using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen is advisable. If scalp hair is unavailable, a comparable quantity of body hair can be used. References to head hair specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair includes all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The four essential stages in laboratory drug test processing include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially processed within the lab system. This phase ensures the sample's proper sealing and shipping, generates a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any remaining data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary inspection for drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to identify drug use in most cases, a positive result requires confirmation for legal acceptability. Any samples flagged as potentially positive during Screening necessitate a further confirmation step.
If a sample tests presumptively positive at Screening, additional hair is extracted from the collected specimen for the Extraction phase. Here, drug extraction from hair occurs at lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening particularly complex to execute.
Confirmation of positive Screening results is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is examined in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is misleading as the analysis targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Testing Surpasses Urine Analysis
In Garland, WY, hair follicle tests outperform traditional urine testing methods through superior detection accuracy and reliability. The longer detection window of 90 days ensures better insights into an individual's substance history, proving advantageous for stringent workplace policies.
Extended Detection Window in Garland, WY
With its capability to track drug use over as long as 90 days, hair follicle testing offers employers an extensive view of an employee's or applicant's drug history. This thorough detection range allows for improved screening and more informed hiring decisions.
Resistant to Tampering in Garland, WY
The hair follicle testing method is designed to significantly lower risks of sample adulteration and manipulation. With results that are reliable and definitive, it stands as a robust option against tamper attempts.
Convenient National and Local Testing in Garland, WY
With our extensive network of nationwide centers, conducting testing is hassle-free and accessible, accommodating various locations. Locally, in Garland, WY, our centers offer easy and swift testing services, minimizing disruption to personal schedules.
Distinct points include:
Streamlined and Private Procedures in Garland, WY
Our process ensures simplicity and confidentiality, from ordering to collection, to providing results. This straightforward approach alleviates privacy concerns, offering peace of mind to all participants.
Competitive Costs and Quick Results in Garland, WY
Our testing services are structured with competitive pricing, offering fast result turnaround to guarantee excellent value for companies of any size. This efficiency supports better decision-making processes and organizational resilience.
Advantages include:
Speedy and Precise Outcomes in Garland, WY
Hair follicle drug testing ensures fast and precise results. The method’s high accuracy in detecting a wide range of substances allows for effective assessments of drug usage, providing essential information quickly and accurately.
Compliance and Assurance for Employers in Garland, WY
Utilizing hair follicle testing enables businesses to ensure adherence to drug-free work policies, minimizing legal liabilities and fostering a safer work environment. This testing form enhances security and compliance.
Employers benefit from:
