Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The assessment of hair has emerged as an effective approach for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair offers a prolonged timeline for alcohol and drug detection by embedding biomarkers within the strands of the growing hair. When clipped close to the scalp, hair can reveal a drug and alcohol detection window of up to about 3 months. The collection process for hair is straightforward, tampering is somewhat challenging, and shipping is uncomplicated.
A sample measuring 1.5 inches, approximately 200 strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil), taken closest to the scalp will provide 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample for analysis and confirmation. For EtG tests, additional tests, and/or when exceeding 10 panels, a specimen weighing 150mg is advisable. It is advised to measure the specimen using a jeweler’s scale. In the absence of scalp hair, the same amount of body hair can be collected. The term head hair specifically denotes scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types of hair (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing of a drug test result comprises four primary stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning pertains to the initial handling of a sample within a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample is correctly sealed and shipped, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any additional data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening provides an initial rapid examination for the presence of drugs. Although Screening is an economical method to identify the absence of drug use in most samples, positive screens necessitate confirmation for court admissibility. Any samples that are presumptively positive in Screening demand a secondary confirmation.
If a sample yields a presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original specimen in preparation for Extraction. In this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at far lower concentrations compared to alternative methodologies (such as urine or oral fluid), which is why hair drug screening is the most demanding methodology to execute.
For positive Screening results, Confirmation is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples that are presumptive positive undergo washing prior to confirmation when necessary. The complete laboratory procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation as well as the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite being commonly termed as "hair follicle tests", this test examines the hair strand rather than the hair follicle below the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Southside Place, TX
Hair testing presents various advantages over traditional urine tests, prominently in accuracy and reliability. Unlike urine tests, which only capture recent substance use, hair tests offer a superior window of detection. This makes hair testing a preferred choice for entities aiming to maintain stringent drug-free environments, promising comprehensive insights into individuals' substance histories.
In Southside Place, TX, hair follicle testing provides an impressive detection window, reaching up to 90 days. This extensive period allows employers to observe not only recent substance use but also patterns that may suggest long-term habits. By analyzing this timeline, businesses can make informed decisions concerning applicants and current employees, ensuring a safer and more responsible workplace.
Hair follicle tests notably diminish the possibility of sample manipulation in Southside Place, TX. The robustness of this method ensures that results remain genuine, providing a reliable testing option. This integrity is crucial for maintaining trust in the results, ensuring they are resistant to attempts at deceit or tampering, thus upholding the value of the data provided by such assessments.
Convenience is paramount with our nationwide network of testing centers, including those in Southside Place, TX. This broad accessibility ensures that testing services remain quick, easy, and free from inconvenience. With a location always within reach, individuals and companies alike can engage in the testing process, enjoying seamless service delivery across all locales.
In Southside Place, TX, we emphasize simplicity and confidentiality in our testing process. The steps for ordering, undergoing testing, and receiving results are straightforward, safeguarding personal information and respecting privacy concerns. This approach ensures that the experience remains hassle-free, accommodating all participants while maintaining the highest standards of discretion and ease.
Southside Place, TX benefits from our appealing pricing and swift processing times. Our competitive rates ensure that quality testing is within reach for businesses of all sizes, without compromising speed or accuracy. The quick turnaround in results not only ensures peace of mind but also delivers excellent value, supporting the operational needs of organizations across varied industries.
The precision and swiftness of hair follicle drug testing set it apart in Southside Place, TX. With a focus on delivering highly accurate results, this method efficiently detects substance use. The streamlined process ensures that individuals awaiting test outcomes can trust both the speed and reliability of the information, providing peace of mind and supporting crucial decisions with confidence.
Compliance and Employer Assurance in Southside Place, TX
Utilizing hair follicle testing ensures adherence to workplace drug-free policies, thus minimizing legal ramifications and promoting safety. This method not only complies with regulatory expectations but also bestows peace of mind to employers, reassuring them of a committed, efficient, and focused workforce, thus enhancing overall workplace culture and efficiency.
