Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Abbott, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair testing has emerged as a formidable method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a prolonged record of alcohol and drug use by embedding biomarkers within the growing strand. When cut near the scalp, hair offers roughly a 3-month period for detecting alcohol and other drugs. It's straightforward to collect, relatively tamper-resistant, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch lock of about 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest the scalp will produce 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for assessment and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and panels exceeding 10, a 150mg sample is advisable. Utilizing a jeweler’s scale for measurement is recommended. If scalp hair can't be collected, a similar quantity of body hair is acceptable. By head hair, we specifically mean scalp hair. Body hair pertains to all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory process of drug testing comprises four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning involves the initial entry of a sample into the lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was sealed and delivered correctly, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any data entry missing from an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening conducts a preliminary swift check for drug abuse. Though Screening is cost-efficient for ruling out drug use in most samples, court admissibility requires confirmation of a positive screen. Samples testing positive at Screening require further confirmation.

Should a sample be positive at the Screening phase, more hair is taken from the initial specimen for Extraction. In this stage, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations than with other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening the most challenging method to conduct.

Confirmation of any positive screen result is performed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptively positive samples are washed before confirmation as necessary. The lab process from Accessioning to Confirmation complies with both CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair guidelines and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Extended detection window: Hair drug tests can identify drug use for up to 90 days, unlike urine tests, which have a shorter detection timeframe.
• Difficult to manipulate: Cheating a hair drug test is very challenging, ensuring more precise results.
• Historical insight: It reveals a pattern of drug use over time, not merely recent usage.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs take about 5-7 days to appear in hair.
• Expense: Hair drug tests tend to cost more than other drug testing techniques.
• Result variability: Elements like hair color and individual hair growth variances can impact drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: While colloquially called "hair follicle tests", the analysis is performed on the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Abbott, TX

• Hair follicle tests offer superior detection accuracy and reliability compared to traditional urine tests.
• They provide a much longer detection window, ensuring that instances of substance use are less likely to go unnoticed.

Extended Detection Window

Extended Detection Window in Abbott, TX

• Hair follicle testing can detect drug use over a period of up to 90 days, offering employers a thorough view of an individual's substance use history.
• This extended window helps companies make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of drug habits.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Abbott, TX

• Hair follicle testing is inherently resistant to tampering and sample adulteration, ensuring results are trustworthy.
• Its design minimizes the possibility of manipulation, delivering results that can be relied upon without question.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Convenient Nationwide and Local Testing Locations in Abbott, TX

• Our extensive network of testing centers makes it simple and hassle-free to access services across the nation.
• Local facilities ensure that testing is available quickly and conveniently, with minimal disruption to your schedule.

Simple, Confidential Process

Simple, Confidential Process in Abbott, TX

• The process for hair follicle testing is straightforward and designed to protect your privacy at every step.
• Ordering, taking the test, and receiving results are all managed discreetly to address any privacy concerns adequately.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Abbott, TX

• We offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality, making our services accessible for companies of all sizes.
• Our quick turnaround times ensure fast access to results, providing excellent value and confidence in our services.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Abbott, TX

• The precision and speed of hair follicle testing are unmatched, delivering results with high accuracy and efficiency.
• With cutting-edge technology, these tests identify substance use quickly, offering peace of mind and expediency for those who require swift outcomes.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Abbott, TX

• Utilizing hair follicle testing helps ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies, reducing potential legal liabilities.
• This method enhances workplace safety, providing employers with reassurance and confidence in their workforce management.

Drug Testing Near Abbott, TX

Mertens, TX

Whitney, TX

Gholson, TX

Elm Mott, TX

Mount Calm, TX

Carls Corner, TX

Irene, TX

Ross, TX

Hillsboro, TX

Leroy, TX

Malone, TX

Tokio, TX

Aquilla, TX

Penelope, TX

Bynum, TX