Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly recognized as an effective tool for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and drug use by incorporating biomarkers within the hair strands. When taken near the scalp, hair samples can offer a detection period of up to around 90 days for alcohol and drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, comparatively hard to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch section of about 200 hair strands (roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp yields 100mg, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of the sample is suggested. It is advisable to measure the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar amount of body hair can be utilized. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" includes all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure for processing a drug test outcome consists of four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the preliminary handling of a sample into a laboratory’s system. This comprises validating the sample's sealed and shipped condition, allocating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any supplementary data input absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid test for illicit drugs. Although Screening is an economical strategy to eliminate drug use on most samples, a positive indication requires Confirmation to be accepted in legal proceedings. Any samples that result in a presumptively positive during Screening require further affirmation.
Should a sample produce a presumptively positive outcome in the Screening phase, additional hair is retrieved from the initial sample and prepped for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are withdrawn from hair at significantly lower concentrations than in other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), hence making hair drug screening the most complex methodology to execute.
Confirmation of all positive screening results is performed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. Any presumptive positive samples are cleansed prior to Confirmation if necessary. The entire laboratory workflow from Accessioning to Confirmation is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the compliance to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Perks of hair drug testing:
Constraints:
Note: Although commonly referred to as "hair follicle tests", the procedure evaluates the hair strand, not the follicle embedded beneath the scalp.
In San Augustine, TX, hair follicle testing surpasses urine testing because it provides superior detection accuracy and reliability. Benefits include a longer detection window and tougher testing methods compared to urine tests. Employers seeking comprehensive insight into potential or current employees' substance use find hair testing an effective choice, reducing the chances of sample manipulation and ensuring high integrity.
San Augustine, TX employers benefit from the extended detection window of hair follicle tests, which are capable of identifying drug use up to 90 days prior. This wider timeframe provides a detailed insight into an individual's history of substance use, making it an invaluable resource for employers looking to maintain a safe and compliant work environment. Benefits of this timeframe ensure a comprehensive overview of an individual's habits.
The tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle tests makes them a preferred method in San Augustine, TX. These tests significantly lower the chances of sample adulteration, providing results that are both reliable and difficult to dispute. Through rigorous testing standards, hair follicle analyses ensure the highest level of integrity, giving employers the assurances needed when dealing with substance use evaluations.
Our testing centers, both nationwide and locally in San Augustine, TX, offer the utmost convenience for those seeking quick and accessible hair follicle testing services. With a vast network of locations, individuals can easily schedule and complete their testing without hassle, ensuring that their commitments or lifestyle are minimally affected while still receiving reliable and timely drug testing results.
San Augustine, TX's Accredited Drug Testing provides a simple, confidential process for all drug testing needs. From ordering to testing, and ultimately to receiving results, each step is designed with privacy and ease of use at the forefront. Customers appreciate the discreet nature of our services, helping to alleviate any concerns over personal data security during drug testing.
Affordable pricing and quick turnaround times are the hallmarks of hair follicle testing in San Augustine, TX. Our competitive rates, paired with swift processing, make it a cost-effective choice for companies seeking drug testing solutions. Value is enhanced by the combination of high-quality service, confidentiality, and the rapid delivery of reliable results, making it a wise investment for businesses of all sizes.
Fast, accurate, and reliable results are paramount for drug testing services, and in San Augustine, TX, hair follicle tests deliver just that. The precision of hair follicle testing is unmatched, effectively identifying substance use and offering results that reduce uncertainties faced by organizations. The speed at which these tests are processed means important decisions can be made quickly without compromising the quality or accuracy of the outcome.
In San Augustine, TX, employers gain peace of mind using hair follicle testing, which ensures adherence to drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer workplace environment. This testing method assists companies in demonstrating their commitment to safety and compliance, reducing the potential for litigation associated with drug-related incidents and creating a more secure setting for all employees.
