Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing as a potent means for uncovering drug and alcohol consumption has grown. Hair strands encapsulate biomarkers within their fibers, offering an extended timeline of substance use when sampled near the scalp. Such a sample can reveal drug and alcohol usage for a period of around three months. The collection of hair is straightforward, presents challenges to tampering, and facilitates transport.
Acquiring a 1.5-inch lock of about 200 hair strands, akin to the thickness of a pencil, results in 100mg of hair—optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG enhancements and tests exceeding 10 panels, it is advisable to gather 150mg. It is advisable to use a jeweler's scale to weigh the sample. Should scalp hair be unavailable, an equivalent quantity of body hair is acceptable. The term head hair refers specifically to scalp hair. Conversely, body hair encompasses all other hair types, including facial and axillary.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for a drug test result comprises four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
During Accessioning, a sample is introduced into the laboratory system by checking for proper seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any supplementary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody.
Screening offers an initial assessment for substance abuse. While cost-effective and useful in ruling out drug usage in many samples, any positive screening results necessitate confirmation for courtroom acceptance. Samples flagged as possibly positive in Screening demand further verification.
For presumptive positive samples at the Screening stage, additional hair is taken from the initial batch for Extraction. Drugs are extracted at much lower concentrations from hair than from other sources (e.g., urine or oral fluid). This characteristic makes hair drug screening a notoriously challenging method to execute.
Any positive screening must be confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technology. Samples that are presumptively positive undergo washing before confirmation if needed. The entire lab procedure, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to standards from both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" often mistakenly implies analysis of the follicle itself, but the assessment focuses on the hair strand.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Downing, TX
Hair follicle testing in Downing, TX offers numerous advantages over traditional urine tests. With superior detection accuracy and reliability, hair tests provide a more comprehensive view of an individual's substance use history, making them an ideal choice for employers and legal authorities.
Extended Detection Window in Downing, TX
The extended detection span of hair follicle testing, up to 90 days, provides employers in Downing, TX with a thorough understanding of an individual's substance use history. This long window is essential for making informed hiring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Downing, TX
Hair follicle tests in Downing, TX offer a tamper-resistant solution to substance detection challenges. The difficulty of adulterating hair samples ensures the reliability of test results, making them an ideal choice for rigorous testing environments.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Downing, TX
Our testing centers offer convenient access across the nation, including in Downing, TX. This widespread presence allows for quick and hassle-free screening, making drug testing more accessible for all.
Simple, Confidential Process in Downing, TX
In Downing, TX, the process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and private. This ensures that individuals can undertake testing comfortably while maintaining confidentiality from ordering to receiving their results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Downing, TX
Our competitive pricing and swift turnaround times in Downing, TX provide excellent value. This ensures businesses of all sizes can benefit from our efficient hair follicle testing services without breaking the bank.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Downing, TX
In Downing, TX, hair follicle drug tests are a quick and precise method for identifying substance use. Their high level of accuracy ensures that employers obtain reliable results swiftly, making these tests a preferred choice for organizations seeking dependable substance detection without the wait.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Downing, TX
Employers in Downing, TX benefit from hair follicle testing as it ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies and reduces legal risks. This testing method enhances safety and provides peace of mind for organizations.
