Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The utilization of hair testing is now considered an effective means to identify drug and alcohol consumption. Hair serves as a chronicler of substance use by capturing markers within the strands. When sourced near the scalp, hair can disclose substance use history covering about a quarter-year timeframe. Hair samples are straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and convenient to dispatch.
A 1.5-inch section encompassing roughly 200 hair strands, similar in diameter to a #2 pencil, and collected nearest the scalp, yields 100mg, which is the optimal quantity for analysis. For enhanced evaluations like EtG or those exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advisable. We suggest measuring the sample on a jeweler’s scale. Should there be an absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be utilized. By head hair, we specify scalp hair solely. Body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
Laboratory examination of a drug test encompasses four key phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning includes the preliminary incorporation of a specimen into the laboratory's records, verifying the proper sealing and mailing of the sample, assigning it a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and filling out missing data that’s not available through an electronic custody chain.
Screening provides an initial assessment for drugs of concern. While convenient and economical for ruling out drug intake in most cases, a positive screening outcome necessitates further validation for legal admissibility. Samples flagged as potentially positive in Screening undergo additional confirmation.
Should a specimen be indicated as potentially positive during Screening, more hair is extracted from it and prepared for Extraction. Here, drugs are pulled from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or saliva), establishing hair testing as the most challenging method to administer.
Confirmation of initial positive outcomes is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any preliminary positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The laboratory procedures from Accessioning through Confirmation are scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standard and the accreditation pursuant to ISO / IEC 17025 criteria.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed "hair follicle tests," the examination focuses on hair strands rather than the beneath-the-scalp follicles.
When comparing hair and urine testing in Barton Creek, TX, hair testing stands out for its superior detection capabilities. Hair tests can trace drug use back up to 90 days, offering a more comprehensive analysis.
Hair follicle tests in Barton Creek, TX, offer an extended detection period, stretching up to 90 days from the date of use, unlike other methods. This extended window provides an in-depth view of an individual's substance use, helping employers keep track of long-term usage patterns and potential risks.
With hair follicle tests in Barton Creek, TX, the risk of adulteration is significantly minimized. The tamper-resistant nature of hair testing ensures that samples maintain their integrity from collection through analysis, delivering trustworthy results that cannot be easily altered or falsified.
Our extensive network of testing centers across the nation, including Barton Creek, TX, provides easy access to hair follicle tests. With numerous locations, employees and applicants can quickly find nearby facilities, ensuring that the testing process remains hassle-free and convenient for everyone involved.
In Barton Creek, TX, hair follicle testing involves a simple and confidential process. From ordering to receiving results, every step is designed to protect privacy while maintaining simplicity. This streamlined approach reassures individuals concerned about confidentiality without sacrificing efficiency.
In Barton Creek, TX, hair follicle testing offers affordable pricing without compromising on quality. Fast turnaround times ensure businesses of all sizes can benefit from valuable insights quickly, combining cost-effectiveness with peace of mind for employers seeking effective employee screening solutions.
Hair follicle testing in Barton Creek, TX, offers unparalleled accuracy and speed. Precision is a hallmark of this testing method, providing highly reliable results that detect substance use effectively. Delays are minimized with hair testing, ensuring that you receive fast and accurate answers, making it ideal for sensitive and time-critical situations.
Utilizing hair follicle tests in Barton Creek, TX, allows employers to adhere to drug-free workplace policies efficiently. By choosing this reliable method, businesses can reduce legal risks and enhance safety, creating a compliant and secure workplace environment for all stakeholders.
