Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a significant method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged history of alcohol and drug usage by embedding biomarkers within the strands' fibers. When collected near the scalp, it can indicate up to an estimated 3-month detection range for alcohol and drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, relatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
An ideal sample for testing is a 1.5-inch segment consisting of nearly 200 hairs (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp, totaling 100mg of hair, appropriate for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional testing, and/or tests exceeding 10 panels, a 150mg sample is preferred. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When mentioning head hair, it pertains only to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other hair (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four main stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into a lab's framework. This process includes verifying the proper sealing and shipment of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although cost-effective to exclude drug usage in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation to be valid in court. Any presumptively positive samples in Screening necessitate further confirmation.
Should a sample be presumptively positive during the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the primary specimen and prepared for Extraction. During this phase, substances are extracted from hair at much lower concentrations compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug testing one of the most challenging methodologies.
Whenever a positive screen result occurs, Confirmation is conducted using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, any presumptively positive samples undergo washing if required. The entire lab 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: Though often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Newsome, TX
When comparing hair and urine drug tests, hair testing clearly provides superior detection accuracy. Offering a much longer detection window, hair tests ensure more reliable results than traditional urine tests.
Extended Detection Window in Newsome, TX
Hair follicle testing in Newsome allows for a far-reaching detection range, typically up to 90 days. Employers gain a thorough insight into a candidate or employee's substance usage history, making informed decisions easier.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Newsome, TX
By significantly reducing the likelihood of adulterating samples, hair follicle tests provide results that are both reliable and beyond question. This method assures validity and integrity in drug testing.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Newsome, TX
With testing centers spread nationwide plus local accessibility in Newsome, TX, hair follicle testing is straightforward and stress-free.
Simple, Confidential Process in Newsome, TX
The process for hair follicle testing in Newsome, TX is both simple and discreet, ensuring privacy and ease throughout ordering, administering, and receiving test results.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Newsome, TX
Competitive pricing and quick result delivery make hair follicle testing a cost-effective option for companies of various sizes in Newsome, providing excellent value.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Newsome, TX
Hair follicle drug tests in Newsome, TX offer a swift and precise method of detecting substance use. These tests stand out for their high accuracy, making them a preferred choice to ensure reliable drug testing results.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Newsome, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing helps employers align with workplace drug-free policies, thereby minimizing legal risks and contributing to a safe working environment.
