Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a robust method for detecting drug and alcohol use. The hair captures long-term alcohol and drug histories by securing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing strand. When collected near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection timeframe of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. Collecting the hair is straightforward, somewhat hard to tamper with, and simple to transport.
A hair sample measuring 1.5 inches from about 200 strands (similar to a #2 pencil size) near the scalp provides 100mg of hair, the optimal sample for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional, or tests of more than 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest weighing the sample on a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair isn't available, one can gather an equal volume of body hair. By head hair, we mean only scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The primary steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result consist of Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the preliminary processing of a specimen into a laboratory’s framework. This step ensures the sample was sealed and sent correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any additional data input not handled by an electronic chain of custody system.
The Screening step incorporates an initial swift examination for drugs of abuse. While a cost-efficient means to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for court acceptability. All samples showing presumptive positivity during Screening need a subsequent confirmation.
When a sample indicates presumptive positivity in the Screening phase, more hair is collected from the original specimen for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are extracted from hair at a significantly lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is notably challenging to perform.
Confirmation of any positive screening result happens through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All presumptive positive samples are cleansed before confirmation as needed. The comprehensive laboratory process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests," the test itself scrutinizes the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Little Elm, TX: In comparison to traditional urine tests, hair follicle tests offer unmatched detection accuracy and reliability.
Hair tests not only detect substance use over a longer duration but also mitigate the risk of tampering, offering employers a clearer picture of an individual's substance history.
Extended Detection Window in Little Elm, TX: Hair follicle testing provides an extensive window, reaching up to 90 days, for detecting drug use.
This gives employers a comprehensive understanding of an individual's substance history, crucial for making informed hiring and monitoring decisions.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Little Elm, TX: Hair follicle drug tests significantly reduce the chances of sample tampering or adulteration.
The innate nature of hair tests ensures that the results are reliable and trustworthy, thereby providing peace of mind to employers and administrators.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Little Elm, TX: Our testing centers are strategically located for your convenience, offering easy access to quick and hassle-free testing services nationwide.
With local presence in Little Elm, accessing drug testing services has never been more straightforward or convenient.
Simple, Confidential Process in Little Elm, TX: Our processes are designed to prioritize simplicity and confidentiality, ensuring ease of use and privacy.
From ordering the test to receiving the confidential results, every step is crafted to provide a seamless experience.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Little Elm, TX: Our competitive pricing structures ensure excellent value, while our swift turnaround times meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.
Balancing affordability with efficiency, our services deliver peace of mind without burdening your budget.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Little Elm, TX: Hair follicle drug tests are synonymous with precision and speed. Their high accuracy in identifying substance use makes them an invaluable tool in maintaining safety and compliance.
Whether for pre-employment screening or regular monitoring, hair testing offers a reliable insight into substance use, enabling quick and informed decisions.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Little Elm, TX: Implementing hair follicle testing can enhance compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
This approach minimizes legal risks and guarantees a safer environment, ensuring peace of mind for employers and staff alike.
