Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has become recognized as an effective method for detecting drug and alcohol consumption. Hair strands store a long-term record of such use by capturing biomarkers within the fibers of the hair as it grows. When the sample is gathered near the scalp, it can offer up to around a 3-month period of detection for the presence of alcohol and drugs. The process of collecting hair is straightforward, relatively resistant to tampering, and simple to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches, comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) taken nearest to the scalp, yields 100mg of hair, which is optimal for both screening and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional screenings, and tests exceeding 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the hair on a jeweler’s scale. In situations where scalp hair cannot be acquired, an equivalent amount of body hair may be utilized. By 'head hair', we specifically mean scalp hair; 'body hair' refers to all other types (such as facial or axillary hair).
Process Overview
The primary steps in the laboratory analysis of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning involves the initial sample handling within the lab's system. This step ensures the sample was properly sealed and sent, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is the initial rapid assessment for drug presence. While it is an economical approach to exclude drug use in most samples, a positive screen must be substantiated to hold up in legal contexts. Samples testing positive in Screening require secondary confirmation.
If a sample indicates a positive result in the Screening phase, additional hair from the initial sample is prepared for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are pulled from hair at a much lower concentration compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the most challenging methods to conduct.
Confirmation of positive screening results is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. All samples with preliminary positive results undergo washing before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adherence to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", the testing actually involves the hair strand and not the scalp-embedded follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing is evident in Rosita North, TX. Hair tests provide superior detection accuracy by identifying drug use over extended periods, unlike the shorter window urine tests offer. This comprehensive capability makes hair testing a preferred choice for employers and officials seeking reliable and detailed drug-use information, demonstrating its superiority over traditional methods.
Extended Detection Window is a crucial feature of hair follicle testing in Rosita North, TX. Hair testing covers up to a 90-day period, giving a longer and more comprehensive look into an individual's drug use history. This extensive detection period is invaluable for employers wanting thorough insights into potential or current employees' substance habits, offering a broader timeline for review.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method ensures that hair follicle tests in Rosita North, TX minimize the risk of sample tampering. Compared to other drug tests, hair follicle testing is significantly more resistant to adulteration. By securing samples firmly, it delivers results that are both reliable and unquestionable, providing a trustworthy testing method that stands up to scrutiny.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations are available in Rosita North, TX. With testing centers distributed nationwide, accessing services is quick, easy, and hassle-free. This wide network ensures that individuals and organizations can obtain testing services swiftly, without complications, ensuring convenience and efficiency in drug testing procedures.
Simple, Confidential Process is core to our services in Rosita North, TX. The process for ordering and obtaining results is straightforward and protects privacy at every stage. Our focus on confidentiality reassures clients that their information remains secure and that the drug testing process is both easy to navigate and private.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround differentiate our services in Rosita North, TX. We offer competitive pricing structures that deliver excellent value, coupled with swift turnaround times for results. This combination helps businesses of all sizes manage their drug testing needs effectively while ensuring peace of mind and cost-efficiency.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results set hair follicle drug tests apart in Rosita North, TX. These tests offer an efficient and precise alternative for detecting substance use, ensuring that results are both quick and highly reliable. With cutting-edge techniques, they excel in precision, confirming a high level of accuracy in identifying drug presence without extensive delays.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers is achievable in Rosita North, TX with hair follicle testing. Adopting this method aligns with workplace drug-free policies and mitigates legal risks. It enhances workplace safety by ensuring adherence to compliance standards, helping employers maintain a secure and compliant environment.