Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Brenham, TX

What it is, How it works

Hair examinations have emerged as a potent method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair captures a long-term record of alcohol and other substances by embedding biomarkers within the strands of hair as it grows. When cut close to the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly three months for alcohol and drugs. It's straightforward to collect, somewhat challenging to tamper with, and conveniently transportable.

A sample measuring 1.5 inches, consisting of approximately 200 strands of hair (comparable to the thickness of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, will yield 100mg of hair, which is the preferred sample size for testing and confirmation. For EtG, expanded panels, and/or examinations exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing the specimen. Should scalp hair be inaccessible, a similar quantity of body hair can be gathered. By head hair, we mean scalp hair exclusively. Body hair pertains to every other hair type (such as facial, axillary, etc.).

Process Overview

The laboratory processing of a drug test result involves four primary steps: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

Accessioning includes the preliminary handling of a sample within a laboratory’s framework. This step verifies the sample's proper sealing and shipment, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any extra data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a rapid preliminary evaluation for drugs of abuse. While Screening is an economical strategy to eliminate drug usage in most samples, a positive result from Screening requires confirmation to be court-admissible. Any sample presumptively positive in Screening mandates secondary confirmation.

When a sample is presumptively positive in the Screening phase, an additional quantity of hair is extracted from the initial sample and readied for Extraction. This stage extracts drugs from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (for example, urine or oral fluid), which makes hair drug screening one of the most challenging methodologies.

Confirmation of any positive screening result is executed via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Washing of all presumptive positive samples is done prior to confirmation as required. Each part of the laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation is evaluated under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and the ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can discover drug use extending up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which have a considerably shorter detection window.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is quite difficult to manipulate a hair drug test, thus enhancing result accuracy.
• Provides historical data: It offers an account of drug usage over time, not just recent consumption.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Detection in hair takes about 5-7 days from the time of drug usage.
• Cost: Hair drug tests tend to be pricier compared to other drug testing techniques.
• Variations in results: Items like hair color and personal differences in hair growth may influence the drug metabolite levels in hair.

Note: Although frequently called "hair follicle tests", the test examines the hair strand itself rather than the hair follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

Why choose hair follicle testing over urine tests in Brenham, TX? Hair testing's primary benefit is its extensive detection period, outperforming the traditional urine test by covering up to 90 days of drug use history. This provides employers with a more comprehensive overview, making hair tests the more reliable choice for screening substance use.

Extended Detection Window

In Brenham, TX, hair follicle testing is unmatched in its extended detection window, revealing drug use history over nearly 90 days. This extended timeframe offers employers and courts a thorough insight into an individual’s substance habits, surpassing the shorter windows available with other testing methods.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests, utilized in Brenham, TX, offer a robust defense against sample tampering, significantly enhancing test reliability. Unlike other methods, the hair test's stringent collection process prevents adulteration, ensuring the integrity of the results and offering a secure solution for drug screening.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Benefit from the convenience of our nationwide testing locations, including ones in Brenham, TX. With our widespread network, accessing reliable testing services is straightforward and hassle-free, no matter where you are in the country, ensuring you're never far from a testing center.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our hair follicle testing process in Brenham, TX, is designed to be simple and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving results, we prioritize user-friendliness and privacy. Our streamlined procedures make it easy for individuals and employers to utilize these essential testing services without concerns about discretion or complexity.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Competitive pricing and rapid turnaround are key components of our hair follicle testing service in Brenham, TX. We pride ourselves on offering cost-effective solutions without sacrificing speed or accuracy, ensuring businesses of all sizes can afford reliable drug testing services that deliver results quickly and efficiently.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

In Brenham, TX, hair follicle drug testing is praised for its fast, accurate results. It offers a superior reliability in detecting drug use compared to other methods, ensuring results are detailed and precise. The efficiency of these tests supports quick decision-making for employers. The combination of speed with accuracy makes it an invaluable tool for maintaining a drug-free environment.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

For businesses in Brenham, TX, employing hair follicle testing supports compliance with drug-free workplace policies, fostering a safer environment. This type of testing helps mitigate legal risks associated with drug use in the workplace, thus providing employers with peace of mind and assurance of compliance.

Drug Testing Near Brenham, TX

Rock Island, TX

West End, TX

Industry, TX

Somerville, TX

Burton, TX

Quarry, TX

Washington-Chappell Hill, TX

Independence, TX

Kenney, TX

Gay Hill-Independence, TX

Chappell Hill, TX

Washington, TX