Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair follicle testing is now recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a lengthy history of substance use by trapping evidence within the hair strand’s fibers. When collected near the scalp, hair offers up to a 90-day window for detecting alcohol and substances. The collection process is straightforward, challenging to tamper with, and easy to transport.
A sample of 1.5 inches—roughly 200 hair strands (comparable in girth to a #2 pencil) closest to the scalp—is required to obtain 100mg, which is optimal for initial screening and verification. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, 150mg of hair is advisable. We suggest weighing the sample using a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be sourced, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. References to head hair pertain exclusively to scalp hair, while body hair indicates any other type (such as facial or axillary).
Process Overview
The drug testing laboratory workflow comprises four pivotal stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary step in a laboratory's intake process. It involves ensuring that the sample is properly sealed and shipped, generating a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any outstanding data entry not captured by an electronic tracking system.
Screening is a preliminary assessment to detect controlled substances. It serves as a cost-saving measure to exclude drug use in most samples; however, positive finds require confirmation to be valid for legal scrutiny. Presumptive positives necessitate further verification.
Should a sample test positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted for the Extraction phase. At this stage, drugs are isolated from the hair at concentrations far lower than in other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), contributing to the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any Screening positives is undertaken through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Presumptive positives are cleansed as necessary before confirmation. The full lab procedure, from Accessioning to Confirmation, adheres to the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Often termed "hair follicle tests," these tests examine the hair strand rather than the follicle itself beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing offers notable advantages over traditional urine tests in Ackerly, TX. Its superior detection accuracy ensures reliability, making it the preferred choice for many professionals. Unlike urine tests, hair tests reveal a broader substance history, providing a comprehensive assessment.
With its longer detection window, hair testing provides insights into patterns of drug use missed by urine tests. This inclusive view is invaluable for employers aiming to maintain a drug-free workplace, exceeding the efficacy of standard urine screening.
Hair follicle testing in Ackerly, TX, offers an extended detection window, capable of identifying drug use for up to 90 days. This period surpasses that of urine tests, providing a detailed overview of an individual's substance use history. Employers benefit from this broader context when making informed decisions.
The prolonged detection period supports employers looking for a comprehensive understanding of a candidate's past drug use. This approach helps in assessing long-term patterns, offering a wider window into potential risks associated with hiring or continuing employment.
Hair follicle testing in Ackerly, TX, reduces the risk of sample tampering common with other methods. Its reliable collection process means adulteration chances are minimized. The results are consistently trustworthy, providing a solid foundation for drug use assessments.
Employers place confidence in hair tests due to their tamper-resistant nature, ensuring results are both accurate and unquestionable. This test method effectively deters attempts to alter outcomes, securing the integrity of the testing process and supporting valid decision-making.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing locations nationwide, including local centers in Ackerly, TX. With easy access to services, obtaining a hair follicle test is straightforward and hassle-free for individuals seeking testing.
The accessibility of our testing locations ensures that clients in Ackerly face minimal travel requirements. This convenience allows for prompt testing, supporting timely drug testing processes crucial for employers and individuals alike.
The drug testing process in Ackerly, TX, through hair follicle analysis, is both simple and confidential. Ordering and receiving results is streamlined, safeguarding privacy while ensuring ease of use. Clients appreciate this discreet process.
A straightforward approach to hair testing minimizes complexity and maximizes confidentiality. Our method reassures individuals concerned about privacy, offering a secure and unobtrusive experience in obtaining reliable test results.
In Ackerly, TX, our hair follicle testing presents affordable pricing and fast turnaround times. These competitive rates provide excellent value for businesses of all sizes, ensuring cost-effective and timely drug testing solutions.
Clients benefit from our economical options and prompt service, receiving accurate results swiftly. The combination of affordability and efficiency allows employers to manage drug screening processes without compromising on quality or financial considerations.
In Ackerly, TX, hair follicle drug tests offer unmatched precision and speed. Their ability to accurately pinpoint substance use stands out, providing fast, reliable results. This method surpasses alternatives by ensuring high detection accuracy, crucial for employers seeking dependable assessments.
The swift results from hair tests minimize waiting periods, reducing stress for both applicants and employers. Their exceptional accuracy ensures trust in results, eliminating the need for retesting and facilitating smoother decision-making processes.
Employers in Ackerly, TX, gain peace of mind through compliance with drug-free workplace policies using hair follicle tests. This method ensures adherence to regulations and reduces legal risks, protecting organizations from compliance issues effectively.
The use of hair testing solidifies workplace safety, providing assurance that drug use is monitored diligently. This process enhances the company's reputation and fosters a secure environment for employees, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining a drug-free workplace.
