Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Athens, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair analysis is recognized as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol usage. Hair captures a comprehensive history of alcohol and other substances by encasing biomarkers within the hair strand's fibers as it grows. When taken close to the scalp, hair offers an approximate 3-month detection timeframe for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, relatively challenging to tamper with, and simple to transport.

A 1.5-inch segment comprising around 200 hair strands (about the thickness of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, the ideal sample for evaluation and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or testing beyond 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to measure the specimen. If scalp hair can't be acquired, the equivalent weight of body hair can be used. "Head hair" specifically refers to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result encompasses four major stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning entails the initial integration of a sample into the laboratory's system. This process includes confirming the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any additional information entry not covered by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening consists of an initial rapid assessment for substance abuse. Although Screening economically helps dismiss drug usage for most samples, any positive screen must be validated to be court-admissible. Samples testing presumptive positive in Screening necessitate secondary confirmation.

Should a sample prove presumptive positive during Screening, additional hair is collected from the initial sample and set for Extraction. During Extraction, substances are retrieved from hair at more reduced concentrations than other methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug analysis the most complex method to execute.

Validation of any positive screening outcome is undertaken through GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples presumed positive are cleansed prior to verification as required. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning to Confirmation undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and the certification to ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Benefits of hair drug analysis:

• Extended detection period: Hair drug evaluations can identify drug use up to 90 days, in contrast to urine tests that have a shorter detection period.
• Reduced chance of manipulation: Hair drug testing is notably hard to deceive, thus increasing result accuracy.
• High historical insight: It offers a pattern of substance use over time, not solely recent use.

Drawbacks:

• Incapable of recognizing recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair roughly 5-7 days post-use.
• Increased cost: Hair drug evaluations are generally pricier than other testing methodologies.
• Result variability: Factors like hair color and individual hair growth differences can influence drug metabolite concentrations in the hair.

Note: Despite the frequent term "hair follicle tests," the evaluation inspects the hair strand, not the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Hair follicle testing outshines urine testing in Athens, TX by offering superior detection accuracy and reliability. Unlike more traditional methods, hair testing provides an extensive overview of drug use, covering up to 90 days.

Employers relying on hair testing appreciate its robustness and ability to maintain strict workplace policies, ensuring employee compliance.

Extended Detection Window

In Athens, TX, the extended detection window of up to 90 days makes hair follicle testing an invaluable tool for employers. This allows for a comprehensive picture of an employee's substance history.

The longer detection period aids companies in making well-informed decisions and maintaining a drug-free work environment.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle testing in Athens, TX significantly minimizes the chance of sample tampering. This ensures that results are reliable and trustworthy.

Employers benefit from using a testing method that offers solid protection against adulteration, providing peace of mind.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

With convenient nationwide testing locations, including Athens, TX, accessing hair testing services is quick and hassle-free. Accredited Drug Testing's vast network facilitates easy and straightforward testing for all.

Individuals benefit from flexibility and availability, ensuring timely and efficient testing services wherever needed.

Simple, Confidential Process

The hair follicle testing process in Athens, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential. Ordering, taking, and receiving results are seamlessly integrated, ensuring user privacy and convenience.

Participants can trust the streamlined system that emphasizes ease of use and confidentiality throughout the testing process.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Affordable pricing and fast turnaround are hallmarks of hair follicle testing in Athens, TX. Competitive rates coupled with quick results provide excellent value to companies of all sizes.

Organizations can rely on these services for cost-effective testing solutions, benefiting from both economic and operational efficiency.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

Hair follicle drug tests are known for delivering fast, accurate, and reliable results in Athens, TX. Their precision in detecting substance use makes them a preferred choice for many organizations.

By offering high accuracy levels, these tests ensure that substance use is detected efficiently, providing valuable insights into an individual's drug history.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Athens, TX find peace of mind with hair follicle testing, ensuring compliance with drug-free policies. This approach minimizes legal risks and enhances workplace safety.

Adopting hair testing reinforces a company's commitment to safety and zero-tolerance drug policies, contributing to a secure working environment.

Drug Testing Near Athens, TX

Trinidad, TX

Payne Springs, TX

Cross Roads, TX

Star Harbor, TX

Eustace, TX

New York, TX

Caney City, TX

Log Cabin, TX

Malakoff, TX

Murchison, TX

Henderson, TX