Located in Amherst, Texas, Accredited Drug Testing offers comprehensive hair follicle drug examinations. If you're in need of a hair-based drug or alcohol screen, our expertise is in hair testing. We've set up centers in every state across the country ready to assist you. Typically, for a hair test, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair on the scalp or body suffices. Hair tests can identify drugs, alcohol or offer other bespoke testing solutions.
Recently, using hair follicle drug exams has grown in popularity for substance detection. They're increasingly being opted for by employers, judicial sectors, and addiction specialists instead of typical urine tests. Hair follicle assays are ideal for entities enforcing strict drug-use policies like employers and courts. Their key advantage lies in a prolonged drug detection window, lasting up to 90 days, ensuring observed sample collection, making them almost foolproof. However, for drug consumption detected within the past five days, urine tests maintain their accuracy edge.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. It captures a prolonged record of substance use by embedding biomarkers within the fibers of the elongating hair. When collected near the scalp, the hair can offer up to a 3-month span to detect drugs and alcohol. The collection process is straightforward, with minimal risk of tampering, and easy for transportation.
A 1.5-inch segment containing roughly 200 hairs (similar to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp yields about 100mg of hair, which is perfect for testing and verification. For EtG, supplementary tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the hair sample is advisable. Using a jeweler’s scale is recommended for weighing the sample. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, a similar measure of body hair is acceptable. Here, head hair specifically refers to scalp hair, while body hair encompasses all other types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory processing for a drug test result primarily encompasses four steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial processing phase wherein a sample is integrated into a lab’s system. This step ensures the sample was appropriately sealed and transported, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fills in any missing data not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening involves a preliminary rapid test for substance abuse. While Screening is an economical approach to eliminate drug use in the majority of tests, a positive result must be validated for legal acceptability. Any presumptively positive Screening samples necessitate further confirmation.
If a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample for the Extraction phase. Here, drugs are isolated from the hair at a considerably lower concentration compared to other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), highlighting the complexity of hair drug testing.
Confirmation of any preliminary positive result is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples are cleansed as required. Each step in the lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is scrutinized under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly known as "hair follicle tests", the procedure examines the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Hair follicle testing in Amherst, TX, offers many advantages over standard urine tests. Its superior detection range and accuracy set it apart. Unlike urine tests, hair testing can trace drug use over longer periods, offering more reliable results. This makes it the preferred choice among employers who need to ensure a safe, substance-free workplace. Its unbeatable reliability is a strong reason to consider hair testing.
Amherst, TX employers gain an edge with hair follicle testing due to its extended detection window, spanning up to 90 days. This method provides a thorough historic drug-use record, allowing a comprehensive evaluation of potential and current employees. Such a wide window of detection gives employers the chance to make informed hiring and retention decisions, reinforcing workplace safety and integrity.
Hair follicle testing in Amherst, TX, offers a tamper-resistant method, lowering the chance for adulteration. Unlike other testing types, it involves direct sample collection that cannot be easily manipulated. This ensures the results are both trustworthy and accurate, upholding the integrity of the testing process for employers and legal entities. The method's robust nature minimizes fraudulent activity.
Accredited Drug Testing offers convenient testing centers nationwide, easing the process for employers and individuals alike. In Amherst, TX, local options are readily available, providing quick and hassle-free access to testing services. Our network of test centers ensures that scheduling and undertaking drug tests is as straightforward and swift as possible, alleviating logistical concerns and saving time.
At Accredited Drug Testing, we prioritize a streamlined and confidential testing process in Amherst, TX. Ordering and administering hair follicle tests is simplified, and results are delivered discreetly. Emphasizing privacy and user-friendliness ensures a comfortable and stress-free experience, alleviating individual concerns about the testing procedure, while maintaining confidentiality at all stages.
Competitive pricing and fast turnaround times in Amherst, TX, position us as a favored choice for drug testing services. Our affordable rates ensure companies of varying sizes can conduct employee screenings without financial strain. Fast results provide quick decision-making capabilities, ensuring efficient operations. Accredited Drug Testing offers unparalleled value and peace of mind.
The speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests in Amherst, TX, make them invaluable. These tests excel in swiftly identifying substance use, offering reliability that surpasses traditional methods. The accuracy in detecting drug traces ensures employers in Amherst make informed decisions, enhancing safety and compliance within organizations. This efficient and thorough process gives peace of mind.
Utilizing hair follicle testing in Amherst, TX, provides employers with both compliance and peace of mind. Such testing demonstrates adherence to strict drug-free workplace policies, mitigating legal liabilities. By adopting these methodologies, companies enhance workplace safety, fostering an environment free from substance misuse. This reliability protects employers and secures their operational standards.
