Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Within the structure of growing hair strands, biomarkers are embedded, providing a long-term record of substance use. When taken from near the scalp, hair can offer an approximate 90-day detection period for alcohol and drugs. It's easy to collect, harder to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A sample of hair measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of about 200 strands (about the size of a #2 pencil) from the closest point to the scalp, provides 100mg—the ideal sample amount for testing and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels surpassing ten, a 150mg specimen is recommended. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair isn’t available, an equal quantity of body hair can be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair covers all other varieties (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps involved in processing a lab-based drug test result are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial induction of a sample into a lab’s system. Tasks include confirming the sample was correctly sealed and transported, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any supplementary data entry not captured by an electronic chain of custody mechanism.
Screening encompasses a preliminary review for substances of abuse. Though cost-effective in eliminating drug presence in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Samples that show a presumptive positive during Screening necessitate subsequent verification.
In cases of presumptive positives during Screening, additional hair is taken from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly smaller concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug testing is the most challenging methodology.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples suspected to be positive are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Benefits of hair drug testing:
Drawbacks:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Belding, TX, hair follicle testing stands out over urine testing due to its longer detection window, reaching up to 90 days. While urine tests excel in identifying recent use, hair testing offers employers a broader view of an individual's substance use over time. The accuracy and reliability of hair tests ensure a more thorough evaluation of a person's history, providing peace of mind to employers and making it a superior choice in various professional settings.
Benefits of Hair Testing:
In Belding, TX, hair follicle testing offers an Extended Detection Window, tracking substance use over a more extended period compared to other methods. This allows employers to examine a more comprehensive history of an employee or applicant, often spanning up to 90 days. Such a broad detection scope is invaluable for ensuring that workplace safety standards and policies are met, giving employers significant insights into past substance use.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Belding, TX: Hair follicle tests are highly secure against adulteration, significantly reducing the possibility of tampered results. This testing method provides an unmatched level of reliability and trustworthiness, ensuring that results are accurate and difficult to manipulate. This security is crucial for institutions that need to maintain rigorous standards and integrity in their testing procedures.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Belding, TX: With a wide network of testing facilities, individuals can easily access hair follicle testing services. This ease of access ensures that both employers and employees can schedule and undertake required tests without hassle, streamlining the process. Our commitment to convenience guarantees that individuals receive timely and efficient testing wherever they are located in the US.
Simple, Confidential Process in Belding, TX: The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and keeps individual privacy at the forefront. From ordering the test to receiving the results, clients can trust in a seamless experience. This emphasis on confidentiality and ease ensures that individuals feel secure and assured that their information is managed with the utmost care throughout the testing journey.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Belding, TX: Hair follicle testing is competitively priced, delivering excellent value to businesses of all sizes. Alongside affordability, the speedy turnaround times of test results ensure that companies can make informed decisions quickly. This balance of cost-effectiveness and efficiency is crucial for organizations looking to uphold high standards without financial strain.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Belding, TX: Hair follicle drug tests produce fast and highly accurate results. This method's precision in detecting substance use ensures that results are trustworthy and consistent. Employers benefit from the speed of this testing process, which provides crucial information swiftly, allowing for better decision-making in workplace environments where substance use can affect safety and productivity.
Ensuring Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Belding, TX: Utilizing hair follicle testing supports employers in maintaining a drug-free workplace, which reduces legal liabilities and enhances safety. This method of testing aligns with organizational policies aimed at promoting a healthier work environment. By choosing hair testing, employers can confidently enforce their rules, knowing that the detection process is thorough and dependable.
