Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is now regarded as an effective means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by trapping biomarkers within the fibers of the extending hair strand. When collected from near the scalp, hair can offer a detection timeline of up to approximately 3 months for alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch sample comprising roughly 200 strands of hair (around the size of a #2 pencil) from the scalp will yield 100mg of hair, which is the perfect sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, add-ons, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is suggested. We advise using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair is not available, a comparable quantity of body hair might be collected. Regarding head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair alone. Body hair includes all other forms (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves initially entering the sample into the laboratory's system. This step includes checking that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, assigning a LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number) randomly, and completing any pending data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening includes a preliminary fast check for drugs of abuse. Although it's an economical approach to dismiss drug usage for most samples, a positive outcome requires confirmation for legal acceptance. Any samples indicated as positive in Screening need secondary verification.
If a sample tests positive in the Screening phase, more hair is extracted from the original sample and prepared for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration than other methodologies (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening the most challenging method to execute.
Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that test positive initially are washed as required before confirmation. The complete process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and conformity to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the analysis focuses on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing has become the preferred method for drug screenings in Las Lomitas, TX, offering advantages over traditional urine tests. Why? Hair tests provide a longer window of detection, capturing drug use spanning months rather than just a few days. Their precision ensures more dependable results, making them an ideal choice for companies and institutions that prioritize comprehensive drug use insights.
The strength of hair follicle testing in Las Lomitas, TX, is evident in its ability to detect drug use over an extended period. How long? Up to 90 days, providing a thorough picture of an individual’s substance use history. This extended window is invaluable to employers, especially when comprehensive evaluations of potential or current employees are critical.
Hair follicle tests are lauded in Las Lomitas, TX, for their resistance to tampering. Concerned about sample integrity? These tests significantly minimize risks tied to adulteration, offering results that stakeholders can trust without question. For employers and legal entities, the reliability of hair tests presents indubitable benefits.
Access to testing services in Las Lomitas, TX, is both swift and convenient, thanks to numerous nationwide facilities. Where’s the nearest center? Whether local or further afield, testing is made simple. This extensive network ensures prompt service, allowing for an easy and stress-free testing experience that accommodates everyone’s needs.
Simplicity and confidentiality go hand in hand with our testing process in Las Lomitas, TX. Worried about privacy? Ordering, taking, and receiving results is straightforward while addressing all privacy concerns. Our process respects your confidentiality, ensuring an efficient experience from start to finish.
In Las Lomitas, TX, hair follicle testing is both budget-friendly and speedy. Why pay more? Our competitive pricing models and rapid turnaround provide significant value for businesses of any size. These aspects combine to deliver excellent service and peace of mind that every client deserves.
In Las Lomitas, TX, hair follicle tests are renowned for their swift and precise results. Why wait? These tests not only swiftly deliver outcomes but also ensure high accuracy in identifying substance use. Whether for workplace safety or personal assurance, relying on hair tests promises dependable results, offering peace of mind with every test.
For businesses in Las Lomitas, TX, hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies. Why risk compliance? By integrating these tests, employers not only mitigate legal ramifications but also foster a safer work environment. With a dependable testing method, companies can confidently navigate drug policy enforcement.
