Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing has emerged as a potent method for detecting drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a comprehensive history of these substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of growing hair. When taken from near the scalp, hair offers an approximate three-month detection period for substance use. It's straightforward to collect, hard to tamper with, and simple to ship.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) from the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal amount for both screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional panels, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advisable. Using a jeweler's scale to weigh the specimen is recommended. If scalp hair is unavailable, an equivalent amount of body hair may be collected. "Head hair" pertains solely to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The four key steps in laboratory processing of a drug test result include Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails the initial intake of a sample into a lab's system. This step ensures that the sample was correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completes any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary rapid assessment for drugs of abuse. While Screening is a budget-friendly means to eliminate drug use in most samples, any positive findings must be confirmed for court validity. Samples that test potentially positive in Screening require further confirmation.
If a sample is potentially positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is taken from the initial sample and processed for Extraction. This phase involves extracting drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is considered the most challenging method.
Positive Screening results are confirmed through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples identified as potentially positive are cleansed before confirmation as necessary. The comprehensive laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Referred to as "hair follicle tests," this test evaluates the hair strand rather than the scalp-embedded follicle.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Sharp, TX
Comparing hair follicle testing and traditional urine tests demonstrates that hair testing is superior in terms of detection accuracy.
Enhanced Detectability
Hair drug tests are effective for identifying frequent substance use, ensuring compliance with zero-tolerance policies. Their accuracy in detecting past drug usage provides employers with more information to make better decisions regarding hiring and maintaining a drug-free work environment.
Extended Detection Window in Sharp, TX
Hair follicle tests provide a significant advantage with their long detection period. They can identify drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering a comprehensive review of one’s drug history.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Sharp, TX
Hair follicle tests offer a difficult-to-tamper method, ensuring test results are reliable and accurate.
Reduced Manipulation Risks
The design of hair tests minimizes opportunities for cheating or manipulation, safeguarding the integrity of the testing process. Their tamper-resistant nature bolsters confidence among employers and legal bodies alike.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Sharp, TX
Our extensive network of nationwide testing centers ensures prompt and seamless access to hair follicle drug testing.
Simple, Confidential Process in Sharp, TX
The hair follicle testing process is designed for ease and privacy, addressing concerns about confidentiality.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Sharp, TX
Our competitive pricing structure offers excellent value, ensuring significant cost savings without compromising quality.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Sharp, TX
Hair follicle drug tests stand out for their rapid and precise outcomes. The methodology ensures a high level of accuracy, making them the preferred choice.
Unmatched Accuracy
Hair testing's exactness in detecting various substances is one of its best features. The method excels in reliability due to its inherent accuracy, which significantly outshines traditional testing techniques, ensuring trustworthy results every time.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Sharp, TX
Utilizing hair follicle drug tests aids in ensuring conformance with drug-free workplace policies.
Enhancing Safety
By adopting hair testing, organizations can promise a safer and more secure atmosphere for employees, endorsing drug prohibition policies that are strictly adhered to, thereby minimizing legal challenges.
