Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers an extended timeline of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can reveal up to a three-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section with approximately 200 strands of hair (the width of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp provides 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG extensions, and/or assessments beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest weighing the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair is unavailable, a corresponding quantity of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it refers exclusively to scalp hair. Body hair relates to all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The fundamental steps involved in the lab processing of a drug test conclusion are Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial handling of a sample in a lab's system. This process includes ensuring that the sample was sealed and transported correctly, assigning an arbitrary LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any further data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody framework.
Screening consists of a preliminary rapid examination for illicit drug use. Though Screening is a cost-efficient technique to exclude drug usage for most samples, a positive result requires confirmation to be valid in legal contexts. Any samples that return a presumptive positive in Screening need an additional confirmation.
In cases where a sample shows a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the initial sample for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at much lower levels than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most complex methodologies.
Confirmation of any affirmed positive results utilizes GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are cleansed prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing is Superior to Urine Testing in Cuero, TX
Testing hair follicles offers a longer detection period for substance use compared to traditional urine tests. This method provides employers with detailed insights into an individual's long-term substance use patterns. Hair testing is also less susceptible to tampering, ensuring more reliable results and reinforcing substance-free workplace policies.
Extended Detection Window in Cuero, TX
Offering a detection span of up to 90 days, hair follicle tests outshine many alternatives by providing a thorough overview of an individual’s drug history. This extended window is invaluable for employers seeking detailed knowledge of a potential hire's past substance use and adherence to company policies.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Cuero, TX
Hair follicle tests are notably tamper-resistant, reducing the likelihood of adulterated samples and ensuring the authenticity of results. This testing method provides peace of mind to employers, as it is challenging to cheat, presenting an accurate measure of substance use history.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations in Cuero, TX
Our extensive network of testing facilities guarantees hassle-free access across the nation. In Cuero, TX, workers and businesses benefit from local testing locations, which simplify the scheduling and execution of tests, making the process quick and efficient for all parties involved.
Simple, Confidential Process in Cuero, TX
Ordering and undertaking hair follicle tests is straightforward and respects privacy concerns. From the moment a test is booked, confidentiality is prioritized, ensuring that results are shared securely and discreetly, allowing companies and individuals a stress-free testing experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Cuero, TX
With competitive pricing structures, hair follicle tests offer excellent value without compromising on quality. The swift turnaround time ensures that employers receive test results promptly, making this an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes seeking efficiency and peace of mind.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Cuero, TX
Hair follicle drug testing is renowned for its rapid and precise results. With advanced analysis methods, these tests quickly detect various substances, providing employers with fast, accurate assessments. The high level of reliability reduces doubts regarding an individual's compliance with drug-free directives.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Cuero, TX
Utilizing hair follicle tests helps businesses maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This minimizes legal exposure and contributes to a safer working environment. Knowing that employees adhere to policies brings employers peace of mind, fostering a productive workforce.
