Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Houston, MS

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It offers a long-term overview of drug and alcohol use by capturing biomarkers in the fibers of the growing hair. Collected near the scalp, hair samples can provide up to a 3-month detection window for substances. Hair is easy to gather, tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.

A 1.5-inch section of approximately 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) taken close to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or panels above 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the sample. If scalp hair isn't available, an equivalent amount of body hair can be collected. When we mention head hair, we are specifically referring to scalp hair. Body hair refers to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process of a drug test result comprises four key steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning starts with the entry of a sample into the lab’s system. This step includes ensuring that the sample was properly sealed and transported, assigning a Laboratory Accessioning Number (LAN), and completing any necessary data entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody.

Screening is a preliminary evaluation to identify the presence of drugs. It's an economical way to dismiss drug use in most samples, but a positive screening needs confirmation for legal admissibility. Any samples showing a presumptive positive in Screening require further confirmation.

If the Screening process indicates a presumptive positive, additional hair is taken from the sample for Extraction. During Extraction, drugs are extracted from the hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (like urine or oral fluid), underscoring the complexity of hair drug screening.

Confirmation of a positive screening result is carried out using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS techniques. Presumptive positive samples are washed before confirmation if necessary. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is rigorously reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug testing can identify drug use for up to 90 days, surpassing the shorter detection window of urine tests.
• Resistant to cheating: Compromising a hair drug test is very challenging, enhancing the accuracy of the results.
• Reveals historical use patterns: It can illustrate drug use trends over time, not solely recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Unable to detect recent usage: It takes around 5-7 days before drugs are detectable in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier than alternative drug testing techniques.
• Variability in results: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth differences can affect drug metabolite concentrations in hair.

Note: The term "hair follicle tests" is misleading, as the test examines the hair itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

When comparing hair follicle testing to traditional urine testing in Houston, MS, the former offers superior detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests have a longer detection window, capturing drug use history up to 90 days, whereas urine tests are limited to recent use. This advantage helps employers and professionals draw a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate's or employee's substance use patterns, offering increased assurance and clarity.

Extended Detection Window

Hair follicle testing in Houston, MS, excels in providing an extended detection window, often up to 90 days. This capability gives employers a thorough insight into an individual's drug use history, offering a more substantial basis for evaluating candidates or employees. Compared to other testing methods, the prolonged detection window makes hair testing an invaluable tool in maintaining a drug-free workplace by monitoring long-term substance use trends.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests in Houston, MS, are lauded for their tamper-resistant nature, significantly reducing the possibility of sample adulteration. The test's design effectively mitigates attempts to alter results, ensuring that the findings remain reliable and beyond dispute. This integrity makes hair tests a preferred option for employers and legal entities seeking a trustworthy method to enforce stringent drug policies and maintain compliance.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

The convenience of having testing centers nationwide, including those in Houston, MS, ensures that accessing hair follicle testing services is quick and hassle-free. These strategically located centers facilitate easy appointment scheduling and testing, saving time and effort. With local support and nationwide reach, Accredited Drug Testing simplifies the process, making it accessible for individuals and employers alike.

Simple, Confidential Process

In Houston, MS, the process for hair follicle testing is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to collecting the sample and receiving results, every step prioritizes the user's privacy and convenience. This streamlined approach addresses the concerns around privacy and ease, ensuring individuals experience a smooth and stress-free testing journey. Client confidentiality remains at the forefront, ensuring trust and satisfaction.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Accredited Drug Testing in Houston, MS, offers competitive pricing and fast turnaround times, highlighting their commitment to affordability and efficiency. Companies of all sizes benefit from these services that offer excellent value and quick results. The cost-effective nature coupled with rapid results ensures that businesses can maintain their budgets while upholding robust drug-free policies and garnering timely, reliable insights.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Houston, MS, hair follicle tests stand out for their fast, accurate, and reliable results in detecting substance use. This testing method ensures high precision, allowing employers to receive timely reports that effectively aid decision-making in workplace safety and policy compliance. The speed and accuracy of hair tests give peace of mind, ensuring that no recent drug use goes undetected, reinforcing their growing popularity.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Houston, MS, achieve compliance and peace of mind with hair follicle testing, aligning with drug-free workplace policies. This robust testing method minimizes legal risks and boosts workplace safety by offering a reliable way to screen for drug use over an extended period. Employers can rest assured knowing their environment promotes safety and complies with relevant regulations, safeguarding both the organization and its workforce.

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