Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing has emerged as an influential method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures long-term evidence of alcohol and drug presence by embedding biomarkers within its growing strands. When gathered directly from the scalp, hair can reveal drug and alcohol usage history for nearly a 3-month span. Hair is straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair segment consisting of roughly 200 strands (comparable in size to a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation processes. For comprehensive screening, including EtG, add-ons, or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair is suitable for collection. Head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair includes all other types (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedures for processing drug test results are categorized into four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning consists of the preliminary processing of a sample into the laboratory’s system, which entails verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfilling any demographic data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening comprises an initial swift evaluation to detect drugs of abuse. While it is a cost-efficient approach for excluding most drug usages, a positive screening must undergo confirmation for legal admissibility. Samples that yield presumptive positive results in Screening necessitate a subsequent confirmation process.
For samples yielding presumptive positive results during the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample for the Extraction process. In this step, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), showcasing the complexity of hair drug screening methodologies.
Confirmation of any presumptive positive screen result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with presumptive positives undergo necessary washing before confirmation. From Accessioning to Confirmation, the entire laboratory process is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly misidentified as "hair follicle tests", this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the underlying hair follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Abram, TX
Discover the advantages of hair follicle tests over traditional urine assessments in Abram, TX. Hair testing provides superior detection capabilities, offering a broader and more reliable analysis of substance use. With a longer detection window and minimal risk of falsification, hair tests are an excellent choice for organizations seeking a dependable drug screening method.
Extended Detection Window in Abram, TX
With hair follicle testing, employers in Abram gain insights into an individual's substance use up to 90 days prior, compared to the limited timeframe of urine tests. This comprehensive detection window allows for a deeper dive into an applicant's or employee's drug history, empowering employers with the knowledge to make informed staffing decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Abram, TX
Hair follicle tests dramatically reduce the chances of tampering or adulteration commonly seen in urine samples. This leads to comprehensive and reliable results, which stand up to scrutiny. The process secures a credible assessment, ensuring that the information gathered maintains integrity, providing peace of mind with each analysis.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Abram, TX
Our extensive network of testing centers, including convenient options in Abram, TX, ensures easy access to drug testing services. This network allows for quick, hassle-free testing appointments, minimizing disruption to your schedule while providing reliable service wherever you are located.
Simple, Confidential Process in Abram, TX
With discreet and straightforward procedures, the process of ordering, conducting, and retrieving hair follicle test results in Abram is stress-free. We prioritize privacy and ease, addressing concerns while ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish, safeguarding client confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Abram, TX
Our hair follicle testing offers competitive pricing models that cater to businesses of all sizes. Combine affordability with rapid result delivery to ensure excellent value. Whether maintaining workplace standards or part of routine assessments, our services promise efficiency without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Abram, TX
The precision of hair follicle testing in Abram, TX ensures high accuracy in detecting illicit substances. Results offer a speedy and thorough breakdown of substance use, providing consistency and reliability for employers. Harnessing advanced technology, it maintains credibility by delivering swift feedback, crucial for timely decision-making, and inspires trust with unequivocal findings.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Abram, TX
Implementing hair follicle tests ensures compliance with drug-free workplace policies and reduces legal liabilities. Employers can bolster their safety protocols, trust in the results, and maintain a secure working environment by choosing this rigorous and effective testing option.
