Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair testing is increasingly recognized as an effective method for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair can reveal long-term usage patterns by locking biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. When collected near the scalp, hair offers a detection window of up to roughly 3 months for substances like alcohol and other drugs. Hair collection is straightforward, somewhat resistant to tampering, and easy to transport.
A 1.5-inch hair sample, containing about 200 strands or roughly the diameter of a #2 pencil, yields approximately 100mg of hair, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg of the sample is preferred. It is advisable to weigh the sample using a jeweler's scale. If scalp hair is not available, a similar quantity of body hair can be harvested. References to head hair pertain only to scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other hair types (e.g., facial, axillary).
Process Overview
The processing of a drug test result in the lab involves these key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the initial step of integrating a sample into the lab's system. It verifies proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigns a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and fulfills any remaining data entry not included in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening is a preliminary and quick check for abused drugs. It's a cost-effective means to exclude drug use in the majority of cases. However, a positive screen must be validated to be usable in a legal context. Presumptive positives in Screening require additional confirmation.
For samples screening as presumptively positive, additional hair is taken from the original sample for Extraction. This stage extracts drugs at much lower concentrations than alternative methods (e.g., urine or oral fluid), making hair drug testing one of the hardest to conduct.
Confirmation for any positive screen uses GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples showing presumptive positives are washed as necessary before confirmation. The entire lab process, from Accessioning to Confirmation, is reviewed under the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair criteria and ISO / IEC 17025 standards accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Though often called "hair follicle tests," this test analyzes the hair strand itself, not the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Surpasses Urine Testing in Bryden, TX
Comparatively, hair testing offers a wider detection window versus urine tests, enabling the identification of substance use over prolonged periods. This is especially key for roles requiring strict oversight, as it ensures a more comprehensive understanding of a candidate's drug history.
Hair tests are noted for their accuracy and reliability, making them a preferred choice in Bryden. Unlike urine samples, hair is less prone to substitution or alteration, presenting clear and consistent results for employers.
Hair follicle tests have a major advantage with their extended detection window, sometimes reaching 90 days. This feature allows a thorough investigation into an individual's substance use history over time. In Bryden, TX, this is invaluable for employers seeking to understand their employees' or candidates' past behaviors.
The capability to view a longer period of drug use is a critical element for legal and employment purposes. It provides a broader lens through which substance histories can be assessed, aiding in more informed decision-making.
Hair tests in Bryden, TX offer significant resistance to tampering. The sample collection process is designed to minimize manipulation risks, ensuring authentic and trustworthy results that employers can depend on.
This testing method, due to its inherent characteristics, greatly decreases the potential for sample adulteration. By utilizing hair follicle tests, the chances of receiving untainted results are maximized, supporting secure and credible drug testing procedures.
Our nationwide network ensures that testing is always easy and accessible, including local facilities in Bryden, TX. No matter where you are, our centers provide quick and effortless access to drug testing services.
With optimized locations for convenience, Accredited Drug Testing stands ready to assist with your needs, whether locally in Bryden or across the nation, promising a seamless testing process presided over by professionals.
Accredited Drug Testing prioritizes a simple and confidential process for all clients in Bryden, TX. Ordering, testing, and receiving results is streamlined to protect user privacy, ensuring peace of mind through every step.
We focus on making the experience user-friendly and straightforward, prioritizing confidentiality. This approach assures individuals and companies of a discreet process with excellent service quality.
In Bryden, TX, we offer affordable pricing structures and fast turnaround times. This balance ensures you receive excellent value without compromising on quality or speed, making our testing services accessible to companies of all scales.
We pride ourselves on our competitive pricing, which combined with our rapid result delivery, provides unmatched value, allowing you to make informed decisions swiftly and economically.
In Bryden, TX, hair follicle drug tests are celebrated for their accuracy and speed. Unlike urine tests, hair tests can rapidly deliver exact results, offering quick insights into substance use. Users value the efficiency, as it not only provides comprehensive detection but also promptly meets organizational demands.
Hair testing stands out with its high precision in identifying drug substances. In Bryden, this means employers can rely on these tests for swift and accurate results, aiding in maintaining workplace integrity and safety standards through reliable data.
For employers in Bryden, TX, hair follicle testing offers a pathway to compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This enhances both safety and legal security, providing organizations with peace of mind.
Implementing these tests ensures adherence to company policies, reducing the likelihood of legal consequences and promoting a healthier work environment. It reassures employers of maintaining a drug-free workplace efficiently and effectively.
