Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
The perception of hair testing has evolved into a robust mechanism for identifying drug and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a historical record of alcohol and drug intake by encasing biomarkers within the strands of the expanding hair. If gathered near the scalp, it can present nearly a three-month detection period for alcohol and drugs. Hair is easy to gather, relatively tough to tamper with, and straightforward to transport.
A segment of hair, measuring 1.5 inches and containing around 200 strands (approximately the diameter of a #2 pencil) near the scalp, equates to 100mg, which is ideal for screening and confirmation. For tests involving EtG, extra panels, or more than 10 panels, a 150mg sample is advisable. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale to weigh the specimen. If scalp hair is not accessible, an equivalent quantity of body hair can be collected. "Head hair" refers exclusively to scalp hair, while "body hair" encompasses other types, including facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory assessment of a drug test result encompasses four fundamental stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning is the preliminary stage where a sample is integrated into the laboratory's system. This involves confirming the proper sealing and transportation of the sample, assigning a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completing any extra data entries not covered by an electronic chain of custody.
Screening is a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though Screening is a budget-friendly method to dismiss drug use in the majority of samples, any positive results must be verified for court admissibility. Samples with a positive screening require a follow-up confirmation.
In cases of positive results in Screening, more hair is retrieved from the initial sample for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are separated from hair at significantly reduced concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair drug screening the most challenging method.
GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies are employed for the Confirmation of any positive screening outcomes. Necessary washing of presumptive positive samples is conducted before confirmation. The laboratory process from Accessioning to Confirmation adheres to CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair standards and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although known as "hair follicle tests", the examination actually focuses on the hair strand rather than the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing offers superior detection accuracy compared to urine tests, especially in Canyon Valley, TX. This testing method provides a comprehensive view of drug use, catching traces that urine tests might miss, making it more reliable for long-term detection.
The advantages of hair over urine testing are substantial; with hair testing, detection can span up to 90 days. This prolonged detection period provides a broader understanding of an individual's substance use history.
Hair follicle testing in Canyon Valley, TX, boasts an extended detection window of up to 90 days. This long span allows employers to assess applicants' and employees' substance history, providing a clear, long-term perspective on drug use.
The capability to detect drug use over several months offers employers more comprehensive insights into potential hires, which is invaluable for maintaining a safe and compliant workplace environment.
In Canyon Valley, TX, hair follicle tests offer a tamper-resistant solution that significantly reduces sample adulteration risk. This reliability assures companies of the integrity of the test results.
Hair tests are virtually impossible to cheat, offering unquestionable and dependable results. This reliability factor makes hair follicle tests the preferred choice for employers aiming for transparency and accuracy in drug testing.
Accredited Drug Testing's extensive network across Canyon Valley, TX, ensures easy access to testing centers. Our nationwide coverage guarantees swift and hassle-free testing, enabling businesses and individuals alike to obtain the services they need efficiently.
The convenience of local testing facilities means quick occupancy of testing slots and speedy result turnaround, freeing employers to focus on other pressing business matters.
The process for hair follicle testing in Canyon Valley, TX, is straightforward and confidential. From ordering the test to receiving the results, each step prioritizes ease and privacy, reassuring users of their confidentiality.
This seamless process addresses concerns regarding testing privacy, offering a hassle-free experience for those uncomfortable with more traditional testing methodologies.
In Canyon Valley, TX, our competitive pricing makes hair follicle testing accessible to companies of all sizes, coupled with fast turnaround times. The affordable structure provides excellent value while ensuring top-tier testing quality.
Fast processing complements the cost-effectiveness, delivering peace of mind to companies needing reliable and prompt drug testing without financial strain.
In Canyon Valley, TX, hair follicle drug tests provide fast, precise results, crucial for identifying substance use accurately. Their advanced methodologies ensure results with high accuracy and reliability, essential for trustworthiness in drug detection.
The precision of hair follicle testing allows for the distinction of substance use at minute levels. Its quick processing time means results are available swiftly, greatly aiding employers and agencies in decision-making processes.
Employers in Canyon Valley, TX, find peace of mind with hair follicle testing due to its ability to ensure compliance with drug-free workplace policies. This method helps mitigate legal risks while promoting a safer work environment.
The regulation compliance provided by hair drug tests supports workplaces in maintaining stringent policies against drug use and fosters a culture of trust and safety among employees.