Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for uncovering drug and alcohol use. Hair captures a historical record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When cut near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to three months for alcohol and other substances. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to the diameter of a #2 pencil) cut closest to the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for both screening and verifying results. For EtG, additional tests, and/or assessments exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg specimen is suggested. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for specimen weighing is advised. In cases where scalp hair is insufficient, a similar quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain specifically to scalp hair, whereas body hair embodies all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The core stages in the laboratory processing of a drug test outcome comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary integration of a sample into a lab’s system. This step includes confirmation that the sample was properly sealed and dispatched, the assignment of a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening consists of an initial rapid evaluation for substances of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use in most cases, a confirmed positive result is necessary for legal acceptability. Samples with presumptively positive outcomes during Screening require subsequent confirmation.
If a specimen tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is retrieved from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening notably challenging to execute.
Confirmation of any initial positive screening result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS methodologies. All samples with presumptive positives undergo washing before confirmation, as needed. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often termed "hair follicle tests", the actual analysis focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle located beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Cross Plains, TX is simple. Hair testing outperforms traditional urine tests by providing superior detection accuracy and reliability.
Extended Detection Window in Cross Plains, TX is a pivotal feature of hair follicle testing. Employers gain insight into a 90-day span of substance use, enabling a more thorough assessment of an individual’s history.
Hair follicle tests offer a Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cross Plains, TX. These tests drastically reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration, ensuring results are both reliable and indisputable.
Navigating drug testing is made simpler with Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and local availability in Cross Plains, TX. Our network ensures quick, efficient access to testing services no matter your location.
The process for hair follicle testing in Cross Plains, TX is Simple and Confidential. From ordering to receiving results, every step prioritizes privacy and user-friendliness.
With Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cross Plains, TX, hair follicle tests deliver outstanding value. Our competitive pricing models and rapid processing provide cost-effective solutions for organizations of all sizes.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests in Cross Plains, TX set them apart. Fast and Reliable, these tests offer exceptional accuracy in detecting substance use, providing results that employers can trust.
The use of hair follicle testing in Cross Plains, TX guarantees Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers. Embracing this method ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, mitigates legal risks, and enhances overall safety.
