Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying substance use, capturing long-term drug and alcohol histories by preserving biomarkers within the hair shaft as it grows. When hair is gathered close to the scalp, it can illustrate up to a 3-month timeline of alcohol and drug use. This method is easy to obtain, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A trimmed sample of 1.5 inches made up of 200 hairs (resembling the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields around 100mg, the optimal portion for testing and verification. For EtG, additional screenings, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We recommend measuring the sample with a jeweler’s scale. If there's no scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may suffice. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" refers to all other body hair (like facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The process of laboratory handling for a drug test result involves four core steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails incorporating a sample within a lab's system initially. This step includes checking the sample's seal and shipment integrity, allocating a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and performing any further data entry not captured by a digital chain of custody.
Screening consists of a preliminary assessment for drug use indicators. Although Screening economically excludes drug use for most samples, a positive test necessitates subsequent confirmation for court admissibility. Samples flagged as positive during Screening require additional confirmatory testing.
If a Screening stage flags a sample as positive, additional hair is sourced from the original sample for Extraction. At this stage, drugs are derived from hair at significantly reduced levels compared to other techniques (i.e., urine or oral fluid), which contributes to the complexity of hair drug screening.
Verification of any Screening positives is achieved through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Any samples presumed positive undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The lab workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair category and in line with ISO / IEC 17025 certification.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: While frequently termed as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation targets the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the skin.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Palestine, TX
Hair follicle testing is superior to traditional urine tests due to its enhanced accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, hair analysis offers a longer detection period, typically up to 90 days, capturing a comprehensive substance use history, and minimizing false negatives or positives.
Extended Detection Window in Palestine, TX
The hair follicle testing method shines with its ability to detect drug use for up to 90 days. This extended detection window offers employers a comprehensive insight into a subject's substance history, providing a clearer picture than shorter-term testing methods.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Palestine, TX
Hair follicle testing significantly mitigates the risk of sample adulteration. Its robust process results in reliable outcomes that are difficult to manipulate. With a stringent, observed collection procedure, the integrity of test results remains uncompromised.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Palestine, TX
With testing centers strategically placed across the nation, and local availability in Palestine, accessing drug testing services is convenient and straightforward. This extensive network facilitates swift, hassle-free testing solutions.
Simple, Confidential Process in Palestine, TX
The process for ordering, performing, and receiving hair follicle test results is straightforward and confidential. It addresses privacy concerns and ensures ease of access, making it a preferred choice for many seeking secure and trustworthy testing options.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Palestine, TX
Our competitive pricing paired with rapid turnaround times offer excellent value. This approach provides companies, regardless of size, with the assurance of comprehensive and efficient drug testing services without overwhelming costs.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Palestine, TX
Hair follicle drug tests in Palestine stand out for their precision, ensuring accurate detection of substance use. Their advanced technology makes them a reliable choice, providing quick and trustworthy results for all stakeholders. This is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance in any environment, reducing uncertainty.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Palestine, TX
Utilizing hair follicle tests aligns with workplace drug-free policies, minimizing legal risks. Employers gain peace of mind, knowing they are fulfilling compliance requirements, thus reinforcing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
