Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is regarded as a proficient approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline of alcohol and substance usage by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of growing strands. When sampled near the scalp, hair can reveal a detection span of roughly three months for drugs and alcohol. Hair collection is straightforward, resistant to tampering, and easily transportable.
A 1.5-inch segment comprising nearly 200 strands (roughly equivalent to a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp yields 100mg, the optimal sample size for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels exceeding 10, a 150mg quantity of the sample is advised. It’s suggested to use a jeweler’s scale for weighing the sample. If scalp hair is insufficient, a similar quantity of body hair can be utilized. “Head hair” exclusively denotes scalp hair, whereas “body hair” encompasses all other hairs (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
The Accessioning phase includes the sample’s initial assimilation into a lab’s system, corroborating that it was properly sealed and dispatched, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and executing any supplemental data entry not fulfilled by an electronic chain of custody protocol.
Screening entails a preliminary rapid evaluation for drugs of abuse. Although Screening efficiently eliminates negative samples, a positive result mandates confirmation for court validity. Any samples testing presumptively positive in the Screening phase require secondary confirmation.
Specimens deemed presumptively positive during Screening undergo additional hair extraction from the original sample for the Extraction procedure. Here, drugs are extracted at substantially reduced concentrations compared to other techniques (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening particularly intricate to conduct.
Positive screening confirmations are executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed prior to confirmation if necessary. The complete laboratory sequence from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to scrutiny under both the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Hair designation and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is a misnomer, as the test examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing outperforms traditional urine tests due to superior detection accuracy and reliability. In Sealy, TX, employers prefer hair testing as it significantly improves detection periods, often uncovering drug use that urine tests might miss, making it crucial for comprehensive monitoring.
Hair follicle testing offers an extended detection window, capable of revealing substance use over a 90-day span. For employers in Sealy, TX, this means a more thorough understanding of an applicant or employee's drug history, enhancing decision-making for safer workplace environments.
In Sealy, TX, hair follicle tests drastically reduce the likelihood of sample adulteration. These tests ensure dependable results, virtually eliminating tampering possibilities, which adds to the credibility and integrity of the drug testing process.
Our extensive network of testing centers nationwide, including local sites in Sealy, TX, offers convenience and quick access to hair follicle drug testing. This ensures that obtaining a test is straightforward and accessible, alleviating scheduling and transportation concerns.
The process of ordering and taking a hair follicle drug test in Sealy, TX, is straightforward and private. From start to finish, confidentiality is maintained, ensuring that individuals can proceed with confidence, understanding that their privacy is respected throughout.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times make hair follicle testing in Sealy, TX, an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. The affordable pricing structure coupled with efficient service provides excellent value without compromising quality or speed.
The precision and speed of hair follicle drug tests make them a superior choice in Sealy, TX. These tests offer high accuracy, providing reliable detection of substance use over a significant period. As a result, employers and individuals can trust the results, knowing they reflect true substance use history.
With hair follicle testing in Sealy, TX, employers can maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal risks. This method not only heightens workplace safety but also provides assurance, creating a secure and productive work environment.
