Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair tests are now recognized as an effective means for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands retain biomarkers in their fibers, offering a historical profile of alcohol and drug use. When gathered near the scalp, hair can reveal a drug and alcohol use record spanning up to three months. Collection is straightforward, tampering is difficult, and shipment is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch section containing around 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) taken close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, an ideal quantity for both screening and confirmation. For tests like EtG, add-ons, or those exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for accuracy in weighing the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable amount of body hair is acceptable. When we mention head hair, we mean exclusively scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (such as facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is initially integrated into the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entries absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening offers a preliminary rapid assessment for substance abuse. While Screening is a cost-efficient method to eliminate drug use in most samples, a positive result requires confirmation before being considered valid in legal contexts. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening necessitate a secondary confirmation.
If Screening results are presumptively positive, additional hair is extracted from the initial sample for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are extracted from hair in significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of performing hair drug tests.
Positive Screening results undergo Confirmation using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Prior to confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are washed as necessary. The entire process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though termed "hair follicle tests," the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
In Dewalt, TX, hair follicle tests demonstrate distinct advantages over traditional urine tests. Their longer detection window and reliability make them superior. Hair tests effectively track substance use patterns over time, proving invaluable for employers and professionals needing accurate assessments. Unlike urine tests, they offer a more comprehensive and tamper-resistant method, supporting substance abuse prevention endeavours.
With a detection capability of up to 90 days, hair follicle testing in Dewalt, TX provides employers a detailed snapshot of an individual's substance use history. This extended detection period surpasses that of urine tests, offering a broader view that benefits hiring and monitoring processes. Ultimately, hair testing delivers comprehensive insights into long-term substance use, assisting organizations in maintaining safe and drug-free environments.
Hair follicle testing in Dewalt, TX offers a tamper-proof solution for identifying substance use. The methodology significantly minimizes the chance of adulteration, ensuring results are reliable and unbiased. For organizations committed to maintaining accurate drug testing, the integrity of hair tests supports secure, verified outcomes, drastically reducing manipulation risks that often accompany urine samples.
Our extensive network of testing locations across the nation, including Dewalt, TX, offers unmatched convenience. This widespread availability means quick and uncomplicated access to testing services, minimizing travel stress for individuals and businesses. With local and nationwide options, Accredited Drug Testing ensures prompt, accessible testing tailored to client needs and locations.
In Dewalt, TX, the hair follicle testing process is both straightforward and confidential. From initial booking to obtaining results, every step is managed with privacy in mind. Individuals and businesses alike appreciate the seamless nature of our services, which are designed to protect privacy while delivering swift, understandable results. Such assurance addresses any concerns regarding confidentiality and ease of use.
Providing competitive pricing and rapid turnaround, our hair follicle testing services in Dewalt, TX, ensure excellent value. Businesses of varying scales can benefit from affordable options without compromise on quality. With fast processing times, companies are assured of timely and accurate results, facilitating their operational and regulatory commitments efficiently.
Hair follicle drug tests in Dewalt, TX are known for their exceptional speed and accuracy in substance detection. These tests quickly deliver reliable results, giving employers confidence in their drug testing processes. The precision of hair testing means substance use is detected with high levels of certainty, making them a preferred choice for those seeking fast, accurate, and dependable results.
Employers in Dewalt, TX benefit greatly from hair follicle testing to guarantee compliance with no-drug policies. These tests reduce legal liabilities while boosting workplace safety. With hair testing, businesses can confidently uphold drug-free commitments, fostering an environment that prioritizes safety and adherence to regulations, leading to enhanced peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.