Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The use of hair testing is now recognized as a significant means for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair acts as a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the growing hair strand. When the hair is cut close to the scalp, it can offer a detection window of up to three months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and convenient to transport.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of around 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the ideal sample for analysis and validation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is suggested. It is advisable to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be used. When discussing head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to all other types of hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The essential stages involved in processing a drug test result in a laboratory include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning refers to the initial handling of a sample within a lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was packed and transported correctly, assigns a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizes any additional data not captured by a digital chain of custody system.
Screening is an initial rapid assessment to detect substances of abuse. Though Screening is a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be validated to be viable in legal settings. Any samples showing a presumptive positive result in Screening require further confirmation.
For samples with a presumptive positive result in the Screening stage, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen for the Extraction phase. At this point, substances are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other testing methods (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is among the most complex methodologies.
Any positive screening results are confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, any presumptive positive samples undergo washing as necessary. The whole laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation is verified under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation along with adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although often called "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand and not the hair follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair Follicle Testing excels over urine tests in Mooring, TX. Hair analysis offers superior detection accuracy and reliability, making it the preferred choice for many employers. Its long detection window captures more comprehensive substance usage history compared to the short timeframe detectable by urine tests.
While urine tests detect recent use, hair tests evaluate extended periods. This advantage is essential for zero-tolerance workplaces, as it covers a broader overview of an individual's drug use patterns.
Extended Detection Window is a key feature of hair follicle testing in Mooring, TX. Capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days, this method provides a more comprehensive analysis over shorter detection methods like urine tests. Employers benefit by having a clearer picture of an individual's substance use history.
This extended detection period enables employers to thoroughly assess an applicant or employee's suitability, ensuring workplace safety and compliance with drug-free policies.
Tamper-Resistant Hair Follicle Tests offer enhanced reliability in Mooring, TX. Their design significantly reduces the risk of sample adulteration or substitution compared to other testing methods. Unquestionable results protect the integrity of the testing process.
By utilizing a tamper-proof method, organizations uphold stringent standards for maintaining drug-free environments. This reliability is crucial for institutions insisting on credible results.
Convenience at our nationwide centers extends to Mooring, TX. The availability of multiple testing locations ensures quick, hassle-free access to services. This network enables employers and individuals to seamlessly conduct drug screenings without extensive travel.
The expansive network of hair follicle testing centers makes it easy for organizations to coordinate on-location testing, supporting streamlined operations by reducing time wasted traveling.
Simple and Confidential Process is vital in Mooring, TX. Ordering, conducting, and receiving results from hair follicle tests is straightforward, easing privacy concerns. This process is designed for ease of use, enabling efficient and discreet management of drug testing requirements.
Confidentiality in processing results ensures personal data is secure, allowing individuals and organizations to have peace of mind regarding privacy and compliance.
Affordable Pricing and quick turnaround times are key advantages offered in Mooring, TX. Our competitive pricing structures ensure that businesses of all sizes receive excellent value. This approach supports streamlined decision-making, providing peace of mind with reliable results obtained promptly.
The value in our services is reflected not only in price but also in the speed of receiving results, enabling organizations to quickly address any drug-related concerns.
Fast and Reliable Results in Mooring, TX are critical. Hair follicle drug tests provide swift, accurate analysis, identifying substance use efficiently. Their precision makes them an ideal choice for ensuring drug-free environments, helping employers make informed decisions.
Utilizing hair follicle tests emphasizes high accuracy, which is crucial for detecting a wide range of substances. Their reliability provides confidence in identifying potential issues, ensuring workplace safety and compliance.
Compliance and Peace of Mind are crucial for employers in Mooring, TX. Using hair follicle testing ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safe environment. Employers gain confidence knowing that their workforce is maintaining prescribed standards.
This method supports maintaining workplace safety by providing a robust mechanism for detecting unauthorized substance use, effectively mitigating potential legal and operational risks.
