Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Winchell, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. The hair captures biomarkers within the strands, offering a long-term timeline of substance usage. When taken near the scalp, hair samples offer nearly a 3-month detection window for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to collect, hard to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment of approximately 200 hair strands (comparable to a #2 pencil) near the scalp can yield 100mg of hair, which is optimal for testing and verification. For EtG tests and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is suggested. It is advisable to weigh the hair on a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be collected, an equivalent amount of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically pertains to scalp hair. "Body hair" encompasses all other types (facial, underarm, etc.).

Process Overview

There are four primary stages in the lab processing of a drug test result: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning is the first stage where a sample is entered into the lab's system. This step includes confirming the sample was securely sealed and dispatched correctly, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any necessary data entry absent from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary examination for drugs of abuse. Although Screening is an efficient method for ruling out drug use in most samples, a positive screen requires confirmation for legal proceedings. Samples that test presumptively positive in Screening must undergo a secondary confirmation.

Should a sample test presumptively positive at the Screening stage, additional hair is drawn from the original sample and prepped for Extraction. In this phase, hair undergoes drug extraction at a substantially lower concentration than other methods (like urine or oral fluid), making hair drug screening a highly challenging procedure.

For any positive screening results, Confirmation is executed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positive samples are cleaned before confirmation if necessary. The complete lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation is monitored under the guidelines of the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug usage for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests that have a shorter detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: Cheating a hair drug test is quite challenging, so the results tend to be more reliable.
• Provides historical data: It offers a pattern of drug consumption over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair approximately 5-7 days after use.
• Cost: Hair drug tests are typically pricier than alternative drug testing methods.
• Variations in results: Factors like hair color and individual differences in hair growth can alter drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Even though commonly called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is conducted on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why is hair follicle testing preferred over urine testing in Winchell, TX? The superior detection accuracy is clear. Hair tests offer a significant advantage, reliably uncovering substance use over longer periods. Unlike urine tests, they're less invasive and deliver results that employers can trust implicitly, reinforcing workplace safety and compliance.

Extended Detection Window

Employers in Winchell, TX enjoy the extended detection window offered by hair follicle testing. Unlike urine tests, hair testing reviews a 90-day period, providing a thorough perspective on an individual's drug use history. Thus, businesses gain valuable insights, aiding in making informed hiring and current employee assessments.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

The Winchell, TX community benefits from the tamper-resistant nature of hair follicle testing. Its design minimizes risks of sample adulteration. The process is virtually impossible to cheat, ensuring that employers receive trustworthy, indisputable data to maintain a drug-free environment effectively.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Offering convenient locations in Winchell, TX and nationwide, our testing centers enable simple access to reliable drug testing. Our expansive network ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing clients to access essential services quickly and efficiently, whenever they need them.

Simple, Confidential Process

The process of hair folicle drug testing in Winchell, TX is both simple and confidential. It involves easy ordering, discreet sample collection, and rapid result delivery, all designed to prioritize privacy. Clients enjoy ease of use and peace of mind, knowing their information is handled with utmost confidentiality.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

In Winchell, TX, affordable pricing paired with swift turnaround makes hair follicle testing an excellent option. Competitive rates ensure great value.
Quick results mean businesses of any size can efficiently manage drug testing requirements without compromising quality or budgetary concerns.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Winchell, TX, the speed and accuracy of hair follicle drug testing deliver fast and reliable results. This testing method is highly precise, making it a preferred choice for detecting substance use. The efficiency of hair tests ensures timely answers, allowing swift decision-making and maintaining informed workplace standards.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Winchell, TX workplaces trust hair follicle testing to uphold drug-free standards. This compliance tool enhances safety, reducing legal liabilities. Employers achieve peace of mind by implementing a testing solution that supports consistent adherence to policies against drug use at work.

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